Operations to prepare MV Priscilla for a re-float progressing well
Acting
SOSRep Hugh Shaw has said this morning that ‘Good progress is being made and
the agreed quantity of bunkers has now been safely removed from MV
Priscilla. I am pleased to report that
operations to prepare the vessel for a re-float are progressing well.’
At
a meeting of the Salvage Control Unit (SCU) held earlier this morning further
discussions were held to discuss the ongoing salvage and refloat of the vessel
MV Priscilla, which remains in a stable condition but still hard aground.
In
the past 24 hours the salvors - Multraship/Ardent/Wagenborg - have
managed to successfully remove 28 tonnes of Marine Gas Oil (MGO) from the
vessel. Taking into account daily consumption for ship services, 15 tonnes of
MGO will now be retained on board for essential services. The 4 tonnes of
‘solidified’ Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) and 2 tonnes of Lubricating Oil (LO) will be
retained on board.
Since
yesterday over 270 tonnes of cargo has been successfully discharged from the
vessel onto a reception barge. The barge is currently en route to Windwick Bay
where the cargo will be loaded onto the MV PRISCILLA’s sister ship MV ALANA
EVITA.
A
second barge is now loading cargo and operations will continue until
approximately 1,350 tonnes have been removed in order to lighten the
vessel. To control an un-planned
re-float during lightering operations a tug will be connected to the stern
of the MV PRISCILLA once 500 tonnes has been discharged.
Additional
vessels on scene and supporting the salvage operation include the Multraship
MULTRATUG 20, MULTRASALVOR 3 and MULTRASALVOR 4. Wagenborg have provided the
WAGENBORG BARGE 14 and cargo vessel ALANA EVITA. In addition Briggs have
provided the FORTH GUARDSMAN, FORTH TROJAN and
SPRUCELIGHT.
The
Temporary Exclusion Zone remains at 1,000 metres whilst the operation and
activity is ongoing.
The
6-person crew are safe and remain on board.
An update statement is expected to be released within 24 hours.