Mangaluru: The operation to lift the tug vessel ‘Alliance’ that sank off the coast here on Saturday and ran aground near Padubidri beach in Udupi district, began on Tuesday, May 18.

Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited, which had contracted the vessel owned by Underwater Services Company Limited, is overseeing the project. For the tug rescue service, the company has given the contract to Yojak.

According to sources, the tug would first be tied with iron ropes to prevent it from shifting from its current location. After that, the vessel will either be lifted or an effort will be made to turn it into an erect position.

Two of them died, while three swam ashore with the help of life jackets. The remaining three missing people are chief officer Ashfaq Ali Khalpe, seaman driver S K Mainuddin Haqa, and diver Pawan Chand Katoch.