A plan to blast free a grounded bulker in Mauritius has been scrapped.
Defi Media said the original salvage plan was to use explosives to shatter a basalt rock that has pierced the hull of Unit Maritime’s 44,000-dwt Benita (built 1998).
But authorities have indicated they do not favour the idea.
Salvors Five Oceans Salvage and DEMEX International had carried out a series of tests at a local basalt quarry.
They are now looking at the use of hydraulic equipment before refloating the ship at a high tide.
The Greek-owned Benita ran aground off Mahebourg on 17 June after a member of the ship’s crew is said to have suffered a “serious medical episode” that led to an attack on a fellow crewman and damage to the engine room.
Five Oceans denied reports that 5,000 tonnes of fuel were lost from the ship. The salvage company said today that the “overriding majority” of the 145 tonnes of fuel that was on the ship has been recovered, and specialised pumping equipment is in place to remove what remains.
The tugs Ionian Sea FOS and Coral Sea FOS have lines connected to the Benita’s stern to prevent excessive movement.
“Significant progress has been made in preparation for the vessel’s re-floating and safe removal,” the salvor said.
A diving expert who was injured in the salvage operation is in a hospital in Port Louis but is expected to make a full recovery.
