A Greek bulker grounded off Mauritius has suffered damage to several cargo holds, its salvor says.
Five Oceans Salvage says the sections have been flooded and its priority is the removal of 145 tons of fuel from the 44,000-dwt Benita (built 1998).
“This oil is currently being pumped from the fuel tanks to specialised containers on the vessel that will then be removed to shore by helicopter,” a statement said.
The ship ran aground on 17 June after a seafarer suffered a "serious medical episode" that led to an attack on a colleague and damage to the engine room.
The 10,500-bhp Ionian Sea (built 1982), which is permanently on station in the area, is helping to stabilise the grounded ship.
Five Oceans says booms have been placed around the Benita and along the shore as a precaution.
Salvage master Nikolaos Pappas and his team are presently working with authorities to devise a plan to re-float the Unit Maritime-controlled ship.
