28 000 tons
of vegetable oil due in Durban
PENTOW MARINE'S 26 200 IHP ocean going salvage tug John Ross has had to rush to the aid of a disabled 31 000 dwt chemical tanker, the Gina. The stricken ship, loaded with a 28 000 ton cargo of vegetable oil from the Argentine bound for Durban, required urgent assistance after the ship lost its rudder off the Cape coast last week. This left the ship drifting and at the mercy of the strong Agulhas current.
Her progress meanwhile was closely monitored and an East London harbour tug was placed on standby until the John Ross reached the Gina late on Friday evening. In the meantime a Pentow Marine salvage team had been flown out by helicopter prior to the rendezvous with John Ross.
The tow was successfully undertaken last Saturday and the two ships reached the safety of Algoa Bay last Tuesday where they have dropped anchor until the damage can be evaluated. However Pentow Marine is trying to secure the release of another vessel, Pentow Skua, to assist with the tow as the current is slowing down progress. Once plans have been finalised Pentow Marine expects to begin the tow to Durban for repairs and of course the safe delivery of the Gina's cargo.
By Terry Hutson
