Owners of MV Eurosun seek to repair carriers keel

Colombo (News 1st); The owners and local agent of the bulk carrier MV Eurosun that ran aground on the Little Basses Reef, have requested permission from the Marine Environment Protection Authority to undertake repairs to the ship’s keel.

MEPA Chairperson Attorney-at-Law Darshani Lahandapura speaking to News 1st said the matter is being discussed among the respective stakeholders. According to MEPA the high tide experienced in the sea areas has made it difficult to carry out observations. Darshani Lahandapura said a team of 05 MEPA personnel had visited the site on Monday (25) evening, for inspection. The high tide experienced on Sunday evening (24th January) refloated the bulk carrier MV Eurosun that ran aground on the Little Basses Reef, about 5.5 nautical miles (10km) off the southeastern coast of the island on 23rd January. Following the ship being moved out of danger, it was anchored in a safer area about 05 nautical miles southwest of the Little Basses Reef. Meanwhile, Navy divers carried out another underwater inspection of the ship on Monday (25th January) and observed slight damages to the ship’s keel that was creasing on the rocky and sandy bottom. Further, ship surveyors are to produce a report after analyzing those damages as directed by the Director General of Merchant Shipping. In the meantime, MRCC Colombo has informed the local agent of MV Eurosun to undertake repairs to the ship’s keel after it being taken in tow to the nearest harbour, as it is not advisable to sail the ship with its main engine. The vessel EUROSUN (IMO: 9546227, MMSI 636015312) is a Bulk Carrier built in 2012 (9 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Liberia. Robinson I Shipping Corp is listed as the registered owner of the ship and Eurotankers Inc is listed as the current operator.