Safety inspectors have been called to a cargo vessel moored off the Island after its crew said they didn't want to continue on after concerns over safety.

The Pascale Delmas is currently moored at Murray's Anchorage, St. George's, whilst investigations take place into the seaworthiness of the vessel. The probe began after talks with the ship's crew.

She arrived on Wednesday after encountering problems with the hull enroute from New York to Dakar.

The damage was caused during heavy seas in the North Atlantic following Hurricane Mitch.

But, once at Bermuda, the 16-strong Polish crew complained about safety on the Bahamiaa-registered vessel -- prompting Shipping Registry officials to launch an inspection.

Marine and Ports Director Ron Ross said a detention order could be made in order to ensure safety concerns are dealt with before it can continue to Dakar.

"The crew are not happy, they didn't feel the ship is safe and didn't want to go on until something is done,'' he said. "A detention order will mean it can't leave until it has been fixed. We don't know how long it could be here.'' The 158 metre, 11,867 tonne Pascale Delmas is fully laden with general cargo.

It diverted to Bermuda after the captain reported a hold was filling with water.

Divers are currently trying to deal with the hole in the hull.

It is owned a Greek shipping company, Enterprise Shipping and Trading, which is based at Piraus, near Athens.

A representative of the owners has flown into the Island and will be present, along with Mr. Ross, during inspections.

The ship's agents, Meyer, are also working closely with both parties, with Captain John Moore coordinating operations.

The inspection team was due out on the vessel yesterday afternoon and it was expected to be today before any official orders are made.

There is a possibility that it could sail into a Bermuda harbour for repairs.

Also currently moored at Murray's Anchorage is the MV Tradenes , which arrived on Tuesday to carry out repairs to a main engine.