BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) — Barbados authorities say the latest attempt to salvage the “ghost ship” MV Christina Debora has failed and that the vessel had taken on approximately six feet of water since February 1.

The abandoned vessel has been adrift in the South Atlantic since its crew was rescued in June last year, running aground off Sam Lord’s Castle, a luxury all-inclusive resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea several weeks ago.

The MV Christina Debora reportedly left Ascension Island last year before encountering engine problems. Authorities are also reviewing applicable international maritime laws to determine the next steps regarding the vessel, which entered Barbados’ waters unmanned.

A statement from the Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy said that a “full day of attempts” by the emergency response team last weekend to salvage the vessel, “proved futile”.

It said that the salvage efforts included a physical on-board assessment of the vessel and that based on the water samples collected it was determined that there was no contamination that would significantly impact the surrounding ecosystem.

“Several unsuccessful attempts were made to remove the ‘wedged’ vessel off the reef, as investigations showed that her hull was wedged into the reef,” the statement said, adding that discussions are ongoing to determine alternative modes for removing the stuck vessel.

“In the interim, the public is asked to maintain a distance of 500 metres as further assessments are being conducted by the inter-agency team, and under no circumstances is any member of the public to venture into the surrounding area or board the vessel,” the ministry added.