EMEA News
Grounded MV Benita's Bunkers to be Removed by Helicopter
Five Oceans Salvage (Five Oceans) Wednesday said as part of its role in recovering the grounded MV Benita, the 145 tonnes of fuel oil onboard the bulker will be removed by helicopter.
In a statement released to Ship & Bunker, the salvors said removal of the bunkers was a "priority of all parties" and that oil is currently being pumped from the fuel tanks to specialised containers on the vessel, which will then be removed to shore by helicopter.
"The operation is being conducted with environmental protection as the upmost priority," they said.
"Specialised anti-pollution booms have been placed along the surrounding shoreline as a precaution, and while some small silver sheen patches have been observed close to the casualty they appear to be dissipating in the surf. Any oil that does reach the booms will be collected and removed by dedicated teams on site."
Five Oceans also noted that a number of the vessel's cargo tanks have been damaged and are flooded, "however MV Benita appears to be stable and remains firmly aground."
"A plan to re-float and remove the vessel from the shoreline is being developed in conjunction with the authorities, and updates will be provided in due course."
As Ship & Bunker reported earlier in the week, the grounding occurred Friday off southeast Mauritius after a brawl broke out onboard, ending with the Chief Engineer locking themselves in the engine room and cutting power to the vessel.
