WAM Dubai, 14th June 2012 (WAM) -- After 11 attempts, the White Whale vessel that sank off the coast of Umm Al Qaiwain was this evening completely raised from the seabed by a giant ship, the Minister of Environment and Water, Dr. Rashid Ahmed bin Fahad, announced today.

''There was no diesel leakage during the salvage,'' the minister affirmed.

He said rough weather, high waves, powerful winds along with other challenges have impeded the recovery of the wreckage.

He added that tanks were filled with air and 14 holes were plugged to help raise the ship and prevent any potential diesel leakage so as to protect the environment and ensure safety of divers and supervisors.

He added that a 28 member technical team was deployed to pull the vessel out of the water.

A team of experts, divers and technicians has been studying the condition of the White Whale to determine the best way to raise it safely.

WAM/TF