Greek Bulk Carrier to Be Debunkered Following Fire

by Ship & Bunker News Team
Thursday December 8, 2016

The 27,800 DWT bulk carrier Antaios is set to be debunkered as part of a salvage operation following a weekend engine room fire and water ingress, TradeWinds reports.

The vessel, which was located 860 nautical miles west off Cape Town at the time of the incident, was successfully evacuated of all 19 crew members, said the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA).

"The crew was plucked to safety from the vessel after it had sent out a 'May Day' call while in international waters on Sunday following to its bulk carrier, loaded with maize reportedly from Argentina to Saudi Arabia, suffered both fire and water flooding damage in its engine room," explained SAMSA in a statement.

By Wednesday, the vessel is said to have been under tow by the 2,100 DWT Smit Amandla 650 miles off Cape Town.

"Until such time as the fuel transfer operation has been completed, vessel surveys undertaken and a comprehensive salvage plan approved, SAMSA has ordered that [the] casualty remain at least 30 miles off," said SAMSA.

The vessel is understood to be managed by Greece-based Amalthia Marine Inc. (Amalthia Marine)