The salvage operation for bulker OS 35 is likely to commence in January 2023, with the authorities having set a deadline to clear the wreckage by 30 May 2023.
Gibraltar had declared a “major incident,” as the hull of the bulker “OS 35” was ruptured. The declaration focused all the resources on managing the emerging disaster while the neighboring port of Algeciras was also informed and assistance from Salvamento Maritimo was requested.
The ship master of OS 35 had grounded the vessel intentionally to avoid sinking. However, the ship seemed damaged beyond repairs, and the authorities decided to drop it to address coastline pollution.
Now, efforts are being taken to clear the bulk carrier’s wreckage off the Gibraltar coast. More specifically, specialized vessels are underway to Gibraltar to start the salvage operation.
Two tugs have reportedly departed from Suriname in South America, joining the team that will carry out the bulker’s salvage operation.
What is more, salvage crew members are breaking the vessel apart for removal. The Gibraltar Port Authority (GPA) has reported that the divers have removed oil residues worth over 3000 litres from the vessel’s hull.
At the time of the incident, the bulker was loaded with about 33,632 tons of steel bars. As for the steel, it will reportedly be removed and then sent for recycling.
According to the salvage mission, the wreck will be split into two, while at the same time being cautious with the hydrocarbon deposits that stay onboard.
The split parts will be lifted onto specialized ships and then taken to a recycling plant that is yet to be determined.
