31.   Baghdad claimed Saturday that U.S. sailors shot at the Iraqi crewmen before forcing the two ships to sail south for inspection.

32.   Bina said that aside from coastal and offshore topography, the two ships will also monitor pollution and conduct seismic and geological surveys.

33.   Both missions were delayed, however, after inspections uncovered dozens of damaged wires in the two ships.

34.   But the other two ships did not try to enter the atoll.

35.   Destroyers, guided missile cruisers, mine hunters were among the other ships.

36.   It is due to take over command from HMS Illustrious when the two ships meet in early March.

37.   Kuwait is conducting an investigation with the crews of the two ships.

38.   Ministry officials said two of the three ships still banned from sailing had been granted an extension to finish repairs this week.

39.   Miller did not say which of the six ships would be transporting the waste.

40.   No details were immediately available on the mission of the four ships.