Join our crew and become one of the 110,123 members that receive our newsletter.

kea trader breaks in half

PHOTOS: Stricken Kea Trader Breaks in Two Off New Caledonia

Mike Schuler
Total Views: 110
November 13, 2017

The 2017-built MV Kea Trader seen broken in two off New Caledonia.

Severe weather in the South Pacific has caused the grounded Kea Trader to break in two over the weekend, further complicating an already difficult salvage operation that is now in its fifth month.

The Maltese-flagged MV Kea Trader was just a few months old when it ran aground on Durand Reef in New Caledonia on July 12, and it has remained stuck there ever since. Several attempts to refloat the vessel have been unsuccessful. 

Last month, the owner of the vessel, Lomar Shipping, declared the ship a total loss and said it would have to be scrapped. 

Although crews were able to remove the the bulk of the fuel and cargo on board, the vessel still contains an unspecified amount of residual oil and about 100 containers below deck.

Authorities said a few containers were lost overboard when it broke up over the weekend.

According to officials all salvage personnel had been evacuated from the ship in anticipation of the severe weather.

The cause grounding is still under investigation.

 

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up
Back to Main
polygon icon polygon icon

Why Join the gCaptain Club?

Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.

Sign Up
close

JOIN OUR CREW

Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,123 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.