VIDEO: Modern Express Stabilized, Weather Hampering Salvage

French Navy The Panamanian-flagged car carrier Modern Express has stabilized and is not taking in water, the French Maritime Authority said. Yesterday evening the 10,454 dwt vessel was drifting in the eastern direction at a speed of 1.3 knots, some 311 kilometers west of La Rochelle, France. The authority said that the operations to remove the vessel from this major shipping lane would be undertaken as soon as possible. The French Navy and the rescue tug Abeille Bourbon, with the SMIT Salvage team aboard, are monitoring the situation. So far, because of the rough seas and the ships movements, the salvage team could not board the vessel and decided to prepare for towing. Modern Express’ crew of 22 people was evacuated on Tuesday afternoon as the vessel started listing some 148 miles off Cape Ortegal, Galicia, in the Bay of Biscay. Due to inclement weather, and the shift of the cargo aboard the vessel, Modern Express reached a list of some 50 degrees. The 2001-built car carrier is loaded with 3600 tons of timber and construction machinery. World Maritime News Staff, Video: French Navy