The Government of Canada published a press release according to which 208.7 cubic metres , 208,769 litres, of oil was removed from the Manolis L shipwreck. This is enough oil to fill 1313 oil barrels. The amount of oil recovery exceeded the expectations and reached the 115-150 metres, meaning 115.000 – 150.000 litres.
Mainly, Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame, on behalf of, the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson made the announcement on the oil that was recovered.
In addition, the Canadian Coast Guard led the oil removal procedure, and in the meantime the recovery was undertaken by Ardent Global Marine Services.
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The recovery was completed on September 2018, according to the press release.
Moreover, the operation took place by using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) in 70 metres of depth, in approximately 1 Celsius cold water.
The heavy fuel oil was heated by using steam, in order for it to be removed. The, it was transmitted to ashore and taken to an environmental company for its proper disposal.
Furthermore, during the oil removal operation, 14 of the tanks onboard the Manolis L were pumped and flushed.
The press release states that the successful result from the operation, reflects the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to be effective when vessels pose environmental threats.
Also, the Manolis L vessel sank in 1985 off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and laid dormant until April 2013 when cracks in the hull, coupled with a powerful storm, allowed some oil to reach the surface. Since then, the Canadian Coast Guard conducted monitoring and pollution containment operations.
Scott Simms, Member of Parliament for Coast of Bays—Central—Notre Dame commented
Congratulations to our Canadian Coast Guard crews and our partners. The Manolis L is no longer an oil pollution threat thanks to your dedication and professionalism.
Concluding, the Manolis L was a bulk freighter carrying a load of paper when it sank in 1985 in icy waters. The wreck lies upside down in 70 meters of water. Some oil was observed at the time of sinking, however the amount was unknown. There were no other reports of pollution until 2013.
