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Aid Delayed After Mines Are FoundThu, March 27, 2003Source: Ananova NewsThe first humanitarian aid shipment bound for Iraq has been delayed by 24 hoursThe first humanitarian aid shipment bound for Iraq has been delayed by 24 hours. Supply ship the Sir Galahad had been due to dock in the southern Iraqi port of Umm Qasr is to deliver emergency food aid to desperate Iraqis. But the shipment, which will be an important PR boost to coalition claims that they are rebuilding the country, has been delayed after more mines were found in the approaches to the port. The UN has already warned of a humanitarian crisis after reports of civilians being forced to drink water from puddles in Basra. Air Marshal Brian Burridge, leader of the UK forces in Iraq, claimed the discovery of two mines in the channel leading to Umm Qasr last night "illustrates his (Saddam's) disregard" for the welfare of his own people. He said the discovery of the mines would now delay the arrival of the Sir Galahad and its load of more than 200 tonnes of aid. Roger Robinson-Brown, captain of the Sir Galahad, told GMTV: "It is vitally important that the channel into Umm Qasr is cleared properly." He said mine clearance experts attach explosives to any suspicious metal objects in the water and detonate the charge to ensure any mine is destroyed. "Last night there were two bigger bangs than they expected," Capt Robinson-Brown said. Capt Robinson-Brown said it will probably be 24 hours before the ship can dock, "but there's a possibility we may go in earlier". He added that once Sir Galahad could dock, other aid ships would follow |
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