Bulk Carrier Detained In Australia

The French-registered bulk carrier Mirande is expected to remain under detention until Monday as Australian maritime authorities conduct seaworthiness checks on the ship that was refloated on Friday after running aground. "We've had divers inspect the hull, and we have surveyors still on board, but there are still problems with the steering gear and it's still detained," David Gray, spokesman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said. The fully laden 18,600-ton Mirande was carrying grain from Geelong to Taiwan when it went aground on mud in Melbourne's Port Philip Bay on Thursday after reporting steering problems. The vessel with a crew of 18 was refloated late on Friday. Salvage group United Salvage Pty Ltd said on Sunday it has "arrested" the ship to prevent it sailing before its owners put up security to cover rescue costs. "It's just a formality so that it doesn't leave before some security is put up for the costs of the refloating," Ian Hoskison, United Salvage director said. - (Reuters)