Five Oceans Salvage report that the Benita bulk carrier, which was under tow en route from Mauritius to India, sunk yesterday approximately 93.5 nautical miles from Mauritius at 1730 local time at a charted depth of 4,400 meters.
bulk carrier, which was under tow en route from Mauritius to India, sunk yesterday approximately 93.5 nautical miles from Mauritius at 1730 local time at a charted depth of 4,400 meters.The vessel turned over by the stern at approximately 1335 local time after having earlier taken a severe stern trim, necessitating tug Ionian Sea FOS to activate the tow line quick release system in anticipation of Benita’s imminent sinking.
No one was onboard the vessel at the time of the incident and all the crew from the tug are safe and accounted for.
A press statement claimed no debris or pollution was observed around the vessel and the tug will remain on site to monitor further for signs of any pollution.
The Benita grounded on the June 17 off Mahebourg, Mauritius and was refloated on July 23. It was being towed to be scrapped when it sank.
