The Tunisian authorities revealed today, Friday, the circumstances of the sinking of the "Exelo" ship, the nature of its cargo, the nationalities of its crew, and the legal measures taken against them.
Tunisian army officials said that the ship "Exelo" sunken off the coast of Tunisia was empty of diesel, contrary to what the ship's crew initially stated.
The brigadier general of the Tunisian Navy, Al-Mazri Al-Latif, said in a press conference that it was finally confirmed that the Exilo ship never contained diesel in its tanks, but rather was filled with sea water.
The ship sank a week ago off the coast of Gabes, southern Tunisia, carrying the flag of Equatorial Guinea, after water leaked into its engines and its crew called for help.
According to the data published by the Tunisian authorities at the time, it was carrying a shipment of 750 tons of diesel on its way to Malta, which raised fears of an environmental disaster on the coasts of Gabes.
Logistical arrangements were made with the help of a military ship that came from Italy over the course of a few days, in preparation for hauling the shipment into containers at the port.
However, the tanks were not carrying any cargo, according to the report presented by the Tunisian Navy today, Friday, at the port of Ghannouch.
Al-Mazri said that the rescue operation will stop now, while preparations will be made to retrieve the ship later.
The Tunisian authorities announced the day before yesterday, Wednesday, a travel ban for the ship’s crew for a period of 15 days, subject to renewal, and the start of investigations into the sinking incident.
Where doubts swirl about the ship's suitability and activities.
The crew of the ship consists of 7 people, including 4 Turks and 2 from Azerbaijan and Georgia.