Discover the Monte-Da-Luz: Ratings & Maritime News

The salvage effort for the stranded production platform 'Agronauta' (IMO-No.: 0057048) officially began on May 7, coinciding with the docking of the 'Monte Da Luz' in Málaga. This operation was initiated by the platform's owner, Ferrovial, following its disconnection from the tug and subsequent grounding on the Benalmádena coast on April 28. The salvage team, supported by the expertise of the Maritime Captaincy and Maritime Rescue, deployed a powerful tugboat with a pulling capacity of 240 tons to assist in the operation. The strategy was to utilize the high tide at 2 p.m. to refloat the platform successfully. Following its refloat, the plan is to tow 'Agronauta' one mile offshore for thorough inspection by a team of divers who will assess its condition. If the platform is deemed seaworthy, it will be transported to Cadiz; however, if repairs are necessary, Málaga is the likely destination for further work. For detailed coverage, follow this Spanish report with video footage: http://www.diariosur.es/costadelsol/201705/07/comienza-reflotamiento-plataforma-encallada-20170507141725.html

On April 28, 2017, the construction platform 'Agronauta' ran aground just off Benalnatura beach, adjacent to Torrequebrada, near Sunset Beach in Benalmádena. The incident occurred when the platform broke free from its towing vessel, the tug 'Monte Da Luz', while en route to Cadiz from Cartagena. A severe storm ravaged the Málaga coast, with waves reaching up to four meters and wind gusts between force 6 to 7, ultimately causing the towing hook to sever at 11:36 a.m. After breaking free, the platform went adrift despite emergency responses. The tug 'Vehintiocho', stationed in Málaga, initiated efforts to secure the platform starting at 10 a.m., and the 'Salvamar Alnitak' from Salvamento Marítimo also rushed to the scene. Double attempts to stabilize the emergency trailer attached to the barge were thwarted as the towing line became entangled in the platform itself, compounded by the challenging weather conditions. This salvage operation was coordinated by the MRCC in Tarifa. At 2:18 p.m., the 'Agronauta' washed ashore, prompting Salvamento Marítimo to deploy the 'Luz de Mar' at 5 p.m. to oversee the situation, while the Civil Guard cordoned off the area to the public. A salvage operation is anticipated to occur as early as the following week. The 'Agronauta' measures 20 meters in height, 43 meters in length, and 32 meters in width, with a two-meter draft. Typically, this platform is utilized for the production of cement blocks for marine construction projects and holds a 150-liter fuel tank for operational use, lacking any propulsion mechanisms. For further information and visuals, refer to the Spanish news sources covering the event: [La Opinión de Málaga](http://www.laopiniondemalaga.es/costa-sol-occidental/2017/04/28/encalla-plataforma-maritima-costa-benalmadena/926858.html), [Diario Sur](http://www.diariosur.es/costadelsol/201704/28/aparece-plataforma-deriva-costa-20170428135105.html), [Euroweekly News](https://www.euroweeklynews.com/3.0.15/news/on-euro-weekly-news/costa-del-sol-malaga/144263-in-pictures-port-construction-platform-runs-aground-near-benalmadena).