The Gibraltar Port Authority announced that on 15th June, salvage operation for the bulker OS 35 that sunk more than nine months ago after hitting a gas carrier in the anchorage at the entrance to Gibraltar’s harbor, is entering its final phase.
The process had called for reversing a controlling sinking they conducted in October 2022 to stabilize the wreck and prevent further damage to the environment. After ensuring the stern was watertight, they began to restore buoyancy.
Progress continues to be made despite the challenging conditions of the wreck and work will continue to further stabilize the stern section.
..reports John Ghio, the Captain of the Port. Once the stern is stabilized, they plan to place it on a semi-submersible platform ship, which can be seen standing by in the photos released today.
As explained, the second phase of the operation calls for the lifting of the bow section using cranes. The forward portion of the vessel was damaged when it hit the gas carrier and sustained additional damage due to storms. Once it is lifted onto the platform ship both pieces will be sent for recycling.
Works continue to progress at a safe and steady pace.
..they said in the update.
Previously, the port captain said weather and other conditions at the wreck site would dictate the timeline for this phase of the salvage operation. The government had set a deadline of the end of May for the removal, but later extended it after the weather had slowed the preparations for the salvage.
To remind, the OS 35 bulker was breached on August 30, 2022 after it collided with an LNG carrier. OS 35 was ordered to come close to shore to minimize the risk of it sinking. As the vessel was beginning to break apart, the major concern then was the 183 tons of heavy fuel oil, 250 tons of diesel, and 27 tons of lube oil aboard the vessel.
