Expertise in Action: The Successful Salvage of the Grounded Bulk Carrier MV EBURY TRADER
By: The Prantik Bengal Salvage & Diving Team
Here at Prantik Bengal Salvage & Diving, we are proud to announce the successful conclusion of another complex maritime operation. In the early hours of yesterday, October 7th, our expert team safely refloated the grounded bulk carrier MV EBURY TRADER, averting potential risks and ensuring the safety of the crew, cargo, and the marine environment. This achievement proudly marks our 39th successful salvage mission, reinforcing our position as a trusted leader in marine emergency response in the Bay of Bengal.
The Challenge: A Vessel in Peril
On October 3, 2025, the MV EBURY TRADER, a 190-meter vessel with a gross tonnage of 32,962, ran aground while en route to Kutubdia Anchorage. Laden with a substantial cargo of 55,000 metric tons of clinker, the vessel was in a precarious situation. A swift and precise response was critical to prevent further complications, including potential structural damage or environmental impact.
Upon being contracted for the operation, Prantik Bengal Salvage & Diving immediately went into action. On the morning of October 5th, a full salvage team was dispatched from our base in Chattogram. Our response fleet included a specialized diving boat and three of our most capable tugs, providing a combined bollard pull of 109 tons: one 49 ton BP, one 34 ton BP and one 26 ton BP.
By 16:45, our team and assets were on-site. The salvage master immediately boarded the MV EBURY TRADER to conduct a thorough assessment and hold a strategy meeting with the vessel’s Captain and Superintendent. This collaborative approach is a cornerstone of our operational philosophy, ensuring all parties are aligned for a safe and efficient outcome.
With a solid plan in place, the operation unfolded over the next 48 hours with precision and care.
Day 1 (October 6): The day began at 06:00 with a critical underwater inspection (UWI) by our diving team to assess the vessel’s hull integrity and its position on the seabed. Following the inspection, our team held a toolbox talk onboard, emphasizing safety protocols for the complex tasks ahead. The first refloating attempt commenced at 10:30, applying calculated force during the tidal window.
Day 2 (October 7): After analyzing data from the first attempt and awaiting the optimal high tide, the team began the second, decisive pull at 21:00 on October 6th. Through the coordinated power of our tugs and the expertise of our salvage master, the MV EBURY TRADER was successfully refloated at 02:00.
By 03:30 on October 7th, the vessel was safely moved and brought to anchor in a secure position, officially concluding the salvage operation.
The successful refloating of the MV EBURY TRADER is a powerful example of what can be achieved through experience, strategic asset deployment, and unwavering teamwork. We extend our sincere gratitude to the vessel’s owners and the crew of the MV EBURY TRADER for their trust and excellent cooperation.
Most importantly, we commend our dedicated team of salvage masters, divers, engineers, and tug crews who worked tirelessly around the clock to execute this flawless operation. Their commitment to safety and excellence continues to be the driving force behind our success.
Prantik Bengal Salvage & Diving stands ready, 24/7, to protect maritime assets and our precious marine ecosystem.
