Transport Malta is investigating the grounding and subsequent complete hull failure of the Malta-registered Oliva, a 40,170 gross tonnage bulk carrier built in 2009, March 16 on Nightingale Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.

No injuries were reported and all 22 crew members on board the vessel were said to be safe. As a precautionary measure, all crew was evacuated from the ship prior to the failure.

Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate was informed that the ship sustained structural damage in way of a number of ballast tanks. The damage eventually progressed into a complete structural failure. Reports also indicated that further to yesterday’s sightings, no fresh traces of oil have been observed following the hull failure.

MV Oliva is reported to have been carrying approximately 65,000 metric tonnes of soya beans. The managers of the vessel have engaged a salvage company and a salvage tug has already left Cape Town and should arrive on the accident site in about three days’. A salvage team is also on board the tug in order to assist in the assessment of the situation.

Transport Malta’s Merchant Shipping Directorate is following the matter very closely and officials were in constant contact with the managers of the ship to be abreast of the latest.

The Maltese authorities will seek international cooperation in the investigation of this accident.