A ship transporting diesel from Congo to Nigeria has reportedly capsized after developing a mechanical fault in the Republic of Benin.

News media, The New Tribune, on Sunday, reported that the ship loaded with hydrocarbons is leaning on its side in the waters of Cotonou, the capital of Benin Republic.

“This Sunday, June 30, 2024, a maritime incident attracted the attention of many observers in Cotonou, near Fidjrossè beach,” The New Tribune disclosed.

“A ship, on which we can read the inscription ‘SPSL UDEME’, tilted on its side in local waters.”

The newspaper stated that the information was reported by BIP radio on Sunday morning.

“According to the radio, the ship failed in the early hours of the morning, precisely at 4 a.m., on the night of Saturday 29 and the morning of Sunday, June 30, 2024,” TNT added.

It said the incident was reported to have occurred due to a mechanical failure, thus causing the immobilisation of the ship transporting diesel from Congo to Nigeria.

TNT said the situation quickly drew the attention of various specialised teams to avoid an ecological disaster.

“Indeed, units of the navy, the autonomous port of Cotonou, as well as the maritime prefecture, are on deck to prevent the discharge of the hydrocarbon contained in the ship,” specified the same source.

“On-site, we can also see firefighters, members of the navy, and Chinese technicians in grey overalls, working tirelessly to secure the area.”

To guarantee security and avoid the influx of curious people, the media outlet said the police established a security perimeter around the site of the incident.

This allowed the special teams on the ground to fully concentrate on their tasks without external interference.

“Still according to the same source, the boat was carrying a crew of nine people, and fortunately, no injuries or deaths were reported among them,” TNT said.

“The incident, although worrying, did not cause any human casualties. More information in the coming hours.” (The Guardian)

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