The fully laden bulker, BENITA, has run aground on rocks just off Mahebourg, Mauritius; 22 nautical miles from Port Louis, 20.47383° / 57.687°. The grounding is alleged to have followed an argument getting out of control between crew members earlier today. This resulted in at least one injury requiring airlifting to hospital, another crew member locking themselves into the engine room and the Mauritius National Coast Guard attending the scene to intervene. The local police are also involved.

The 1998 built Benita is 24,953 grt, flying the Liberian flag. Benita is Bureau Veritas classed and with the Steamship Owners Mutual Insurance Association Ltd.

Our local office is investigating. If you have cargo on board the Benita, W.E.Cox are able to assist you with provision of Salvage and General Average security, and negotiations, as required. We are also able to provide a full Recovery action service.