JAPAN's Mitsui OSK (MOL Lines) reports that the still floating front end of the 8,000-TEU MOL Comfort has been reconnected to the salvage tug from which broke free in adverse weather conditions.

"The tow wire was disconnected from the fore part on July 1, but recovery work was complete and we have resumed towing operation," said the latest MOL communique. "Our sales offices will continue to contact customers with updates on the movement of the fore part and cargo status."

The ship split in two on June 17 off the coast of Oman and Yemen on its way front Singapore to Jeddah. As both ends of the ship separated and wallowed in the monsoon downpour, the rear end, containing the wheelhouse, 1,700 containers and 1,500 tonnes of bunker sunk on June 27.

Three tugs will resume towing the forward section, with most of its containers still aboard in a west-northwest direction from 17'02"N 67'57"E.

The salvage company has a patrol boat where the after section sank and keep an eye out for oil leaks, but none has been reported so far. The company intends to recover the two hull sections, said MOL.

MOL has since withdrawn the MOL Comfort's six sister ships from service to examine causes and strengthen their hulls before they put to sea again.