New Delhi, July 5 The Union Minister for Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Mr T.R. Baalu, on Wednesday announced the constitution of an inter-Ministerial group of experts to look into the existing response mechanism and formulate a blueprint for strengthening the response system in view of the recent spate of marine accidents on the Indian Coast.

The group comprises representatives from the Navy, the Coast Guard and ports under the Chairmanship of Director-General of Shipping.

The group would study the current level of information-sharing, search and rescue and salvage operations and the availability of equipment and vessels, and submit a report within a fortnight.

Mr Baalu convened a meeting of Chairmen of all major ports and senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, Navy, Coast Guard, Directorate-General of Shipping, Directorate-General of Lighthouses & Lightships and Shipping Corporation of India to take stock of the situation and to further review the measures to be taken in view of the recent spate of marine accidents, said an official statement.

He directed that immediate measures be taken to restrict the operation of old vessels, especially during the monsoon.

There have been 13 weather-related marine casualties during the last fortnight since the onset of monsoon resulting in the rough weather conditions in the coastal areas.

The prime cause of these casualties is the incapacitation of very old vessels due to inclement weather, it added.

Mr Baalu also reviewed the progress of projects in the major ports.