The Malta registered motor ship Flash was grounded in the vicinity of thGalite Islands, north of the Tunisian coast, Transport Malta said this.

It said that its Marine Safety Investigation Unit and the Merchant Shipping Directorate were investigating the incident.

None of the 23 crew members were injured and no pollution has so far been reported. The Merchant Shipping Directorate is in direct contact with the managers of the vessel to closely monitor the situation.

Preliminary reports received by the MSIU indicate that the vessel has sustained structural damages in a number of ballast tanks and the engine-room.

A salvage operation is currently being planned ito lighten the vessel and pump out the bunker tanks. The vessel was carrying about 126,000 metric tonnes of coal on board and was on its way to Taranto, Italy from Baltimore, USA.

The MSIU is conducting its safety investigation in line with the relevant legislation and international maritime conventions.

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