MV Benita Sinks During Tow to Alang

MV Benita during the re-floating operation, July 24, 2016. Photo: Five Oceans Salvage

International salvage company Five Oceans Salvage reports that the MV Benita, which was under tow from Mauritius and to Alang, India, has sunk approximately 93.5 nautical miles from Mauritius.

The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier grounded on June 17 off Mahebourg, Mauritius after an incident involving one of its crew members. It was eventually refloated on July 23 following extensive work to remove fuel oil and repair the vessel for refloating. 

Five Oceans Salvage reported Saturday that the vessel sank at 1730 local time at a chartered depth of 4,400 meters. The vessel turned over by the stern at approximately 1335 local time after having developed a severe stern trim, prompting the tug Ionian Sea FOS to use the tow line quick release in anticipation of Benita’s imminent sinking.

No one was on board the vessel at the time of the sinking and all the crew from the tug are safe and accounted for.

Five Oceans reports that no debris or pollution was observed around the vessel and the Ionian Sea FOS will remain on site to monitor further for signs of any pollution at first light Sunday morning.

The Benita was destined for Alang, India for demolition. 

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