A Bibby Line-owned supramax is finally under tow after the ship's crew were evacuated last week due to fumes.
Salvors from Florida-based Resolve Marine managed to get tow ropes attached to the 56,600-dwt Cheshire (built 2012) on Monday. The ship with four tugs in attendance are now headed to a location off Gran Canaria.
The UK-based company's ship was carrying fertiliser from Norway to Thailand last week when the crew reported elevated temperatures in two of the cargo holds. It was scheduled to take on bunkers in Las Palmas, where representatives of the cargo manufacturer were on hand to investigate the cargo.
Before making call, the crew had to be evacuated due to the fumes aboard the vessel. They have since been flown home. A standby tug from Spain's coast guard stayed with the vessel in the interim.
Resolve Marine has been alongside the vessel since 16 August. But they were unable to get aboard due to weather conditions and the fumes and heat from the cargo hold. The situation onboard has stabilised, allowing the tow ropes to be attached to the vessel.
The Isle of Man-flagged Cheshire is classed by Lloyd's Register. Gard provides the vessel's protection and indemnity coverage.
