A Japanese bulker has been prevented from grounding on a New Caledonia reef after a power outage.
The LNC website reported that the 61,000-dwt Shiny Halo (built 2011) was less than 2km from the reef when it was intercepted by tugs.
The unladen vessel was en route to the Ouaco mine near Koumac, from China, on Monday.
The New Caledonia Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) organised an operation involving three small mining company tugs.
These halted the drift of the bulker.
Another tug reached the scene on Monday evening and the bulker was brought into anchor.
Ore loading is expected to start on Thursday.
The ship is owned by Murakami Sekiyu of Japan, which has been contacted for further information.
The shipowner has requested inspections to determine the reason for the shutdown.
AIS data showed the ship at anchor on Tuesday.
