Ship Crew Airlifted

Although the crew were reportedly in no immediate danger they were taken off the vessel for safety, reports the NSRI.

Six salvage crew from Subtech salvors have been airlifted to the vessel and efforts by Smit Amandla Marine have begun to attempt to salvage the vessel.

SAMSA (the South African Maritime Safety Authority) are monitoring the operation.

NSRI Durban’s sea rescue craft has been released from the scene since all of Phoenix crew are now safely ashore.

NSRI Durban remain on alert to assist if necessary. The Phoenix, en-route to Indian scrap yards and carrying a small skeleton crew, spent the night adrift after breaking her anchor, before beaching in the backline this morning.

A high alert was issued by the Transnet National Ports Authority at 7pm last night. Durban volunteers and the SA Air Force 15 Squadron were on standby for the 164 meter vessel, who was under her own power passing the South African Coast. She had put to anchor off North Coast to wait out the inclement weather that struck in the early hours of Monday - a cold front arrived brought 30 knot winds, rough seas and a 15 foot deepsea storm swell.

Following reports that her anchor chain had failed, the Transnet National Ports Authority dispatched the salvage tug Smit Amandla which was standing-by off the Durban coast at the time, to attempt to attach a tow-line and drag the bulk tanker out to deep sea. Attempts to attach a tow-line in rough seas were not possible last night and Phoenix lay close off-shore of Salt Rock.