Benita
The 182 meter long, 44183 dwt bulk carrier Benita ran ashore south of Mahebourg, Mauritius. The Benita was en route to Durban, South Africa from India in ballast when a brawl broke out between the chief engineer and another engineer on board the vessel. What has exactly happened is unclear, but reports state that the main engine was shutdown during the fight. The disabled bulk carrier continued to drift until it went hard aground on the rocky shoreline. Reports state that one crewman was flown to a local hospital for treatment. Booms were placed around the vessel in case any of the 125 tons of fuel oil is released. Authorities reported that the bulk carrier was hard aground and requires more than one tug to refloat. No word if any of the 23 crew of the Benita will be charged or fined for incidents on board the vessel.
