Owner of Tresta Star Given One Month to Present Dismantling Plan

By Vel Moonien in Mauritius

The Préfet of Reunion Island, the highest ranking representative of the French authority on the island south of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, has given the owner of the Tresta Star one month to submit a plan for the removal of the wreck, which has been stuck at Tremblet’s Point since early February.

This step comes after the completion of the clean-up work by the team of Five Ocean Salvage (FOS).  

A formal notice was sent last week to both under Sections L.5142-1 and L.5242-18 of the Transport Code to Tresta Trading and its insurer, MS Amlin. Jacques Billant invited both parties to detail the methods which will be deployed and the measures to be adopted for the treatment of waste from the bunker barge. Each of these steps will have to get the approval of the French authorities beforehand.  

The Préfet is asking for the wreck to be removed as it is being considered as a source of marine and visual pollution in this part of Reunion Island which is a natural park. After the Mauritian-flagged Tresta Star ran aground after an engine breakdown while the intense tropical cyclone Batsirai was approaching Mauritius and Reunion Island, Lianyungang Dali Underwater Engineering and Polygreen had been recruited for a salvage operation.  

Both had just finished dismantling the bow of the MV Wakashio southeast of Mauritius. However, they decided leave Reunion Island two weeks later due to a default of payment. But the LOF (Lloyd’s Open Form) signed between these two companies and MS Amlin had become null and void, a wreck removal having become necessary in view of the damage suffered by the Tresta Star with rough seas following approach of tropical cyclone Emnati.  

FOS’ representatives landed in Reunion Island on March 12 to do a follow-up of the clean-up works undertaken by the French after the departure of Lianyungang Dali Underwater Engineering and Polygreen. It was then that it was revealed that the oil on board exceeded the declared quantity. 

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

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

Sign Up