Weather calmed down - Smit experts on scene
The frigate "Primauget" arrived at the "Modern Express" on Jan 28 at noon. The weather became calmer throughout the day. With the weather improving, the drift of the ship fell to one knot. The fact thatit was far offshore also allowed salvors to take the time to assess the risks. Experts of Smit Salvage were transferred onto the tug "AbeilleBourbon" aboard a Caïman helicopter of the French Navy in the run of the day.
A possible leak
Wednesday afternoon, the ship has been joined by the tug of intervention, assistance and rescue Abeille Bourbon, based in Brest. She was hired yesterday by the maritime prefect. The crew of the tug confirmed the heavy list of the Modern Express and reported a leak in the hull. If the weather conditions and the condition of the ship forbade any further investigation, the Abeille Bourbon remained close to secure navigation on the area.
The shipowner has also responded by mandating Smit Salvage company to stop any danger to navigation. The experts of this company arrived in Brest on Wednesday. The frigate anti-submarine warfare is for its arrival on the scene Thursday noon with on board a helicopter and an evaluation team and intervention of the Navy. Contacted by Le Figaro, the Atlantic maritime prefecture said the weather became calmer throughout the day Thursday. "With the weather improving, the drift of the boat fell to a node. The fact that we are far offshore also allows us to take the time to assess the risks, "she says. If the risks are not yet maximum for the French coast, the maritime prefecture not however preclude a shipwreck in the coming days.
The Modern Express regularly conducts round trips to Africa. It usually brings cars from France, and leaves in charge of forest products.