The bulk carrier Benita, which is grounded off the south of Mauritius, is at risk of sinking as towage of the holed ship proves problematic.
Salvors are re-assessing the vessel’s tow-worthiness, after the vessel settled deeper into the water when towage initially commenced from its stern.
The attempt was abandoned and the tow line has since been attached to the the vessel’s bow, Five Ocean Salvage said today. The salvor hopes to resume towage later today.
“Given that the tow is a dead ship and also considering the prevailing sea conditions, it is extremely dangerous for a boarding team to attempt to get onboard, so the process of adjusting the towing arrangement is slow,” Five Ocean said.
The vessel was refloated by Five Ocean Salvage on July 23, after being stranded for a month, and is bound for demolition in India.
Benita (42,700 dwt, built 1998) is owned by Greece’s Unit Maritime. The vessel was on its way from India to Durban in South Africa when it ran aground.
The ship grounded off the Indian Ocean island on June 17 following a fight between crewmembers.
