A Mediterranean Shipping Company containership damaged by an explosion in the Caribbean nearly two weeks ago has finally set sail but not for its original destination.
It's not clear how long the 4,469-teu MSC Idil (built 1992) will remain in Freeport, Bahamas, however, as repairs to the vessel's hull are only temporary and an investigation into the cause of the blast is still ongoing, according to the US Coast Guard.
As TradeWinds has reported, the vessel suffered an explosion on 11 May as it travelled 60 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico during a voyage to Barcelona, Spain. Crew members blamed welding but this assessment has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities say no pollution was reported by the ship or a flotilla of first responders who monitored the situation throughout the 11-day ordeal amid concerns surrounding the 588,000 gallons of fuel oil and 62,000 gallons of diesel believed to be on board.
US law enforcement and the Idil were assisted by salvage specialists DonJon-Smit, Atlantic Diving, Borinquen Towing and San Juan Towing, according to a statement that indicated MSC will handle the probe from here out.
US Coast Guard image of the MSC Idil.
