Preparations for the refloating of the bulk carrier, MV Benita, are under way as salvage operations enter the second phase, reports World Maritime News.
The cargo ship ran aground off the coast of Mauritius last month on its way from the Indian port of Paradip to the port of Durban.
Five Oceans Salvage is reportedly exploring the possibility of using explosives on the rocks underneath the vessel as part of the salvage efforts.
Efforts to remove the 145 tonnes of fuel of on board the vessel are “making good progress” with helicopters transporting it to shore, according to the online news provider.
Furthermore, the vessel’s lubrication oil – stored in drums in the engine room – is also being removed from the vessel.
According to a Five Oceans Salvage spokesperson, quoted by World Maritime News, the MV Benita remains aground in a “stable condition” with a number of tanks flooded. The deck and side plates of the vessel do not appear to be showing signs of stress.
Five Oceans noted further that the vessel’s cranes and windlasses were now operational, while a team of 25 welders, fitters and assistants were preparing the double bottom tanks and cargo holds for pressurisation for the refloating attempt.
The 44 183-deadweight tonne (DWT) bulk carrier ran aground in the early hours of June 17 as a result of a fight which broke out between the vessel’s crewmembers the night before.
