Americas News
Stranded Bulk Carrier given 90 Days to Debunker
With the possibility that its hull may split in half, stranded Mexican bulk carrier Los Llanitos has been ordered to transfer an estimated 425,000 liters in fuel from the vessel's interior, World Maritime News reports.
The order was given by the Mexican government and must be completed in 90 days, after which the 71,665 dwt vessel will be sunk and turned into an artificial reef.
Despite being grounded on the rocks near Barra de Navidad, Mexico, during Hurricane Patricia and its hull cracking open, Los Llanitos reportedly shows no indication of spilling any oil – although shipwrecklog.com says that along with the engine room and several sections of the hold suffering water ingress, "fuel tanks were also ruptured, releasing pollution along the shore."
Representaciones Marítimas, S.A., told the press that all contingency protocols have been enacted and additional booms put in place, supposedly making any fuel spill impossible.
Profepa, Mexico's environmental agency, says the ship owner has agreed to conclude the transfer within a month depending on weather conditions and adds that no administrative procedure against the owner has been undertaken because "so far there is no recorded environmental damage".
In September, the Liberian-flagged MV Victoria suffered a similar fate when it ran aground off the coast of Varberg, splitting open but not spilling any fuel into surrounding waters.
