The towering crane being used to saw apart an overturned cargo ship off St. Simons Sound has paused work for maintenance and repairs, reports News4Jax.
Work progress
Salvage crews have removed nearly two-thirds of the Golden Ray in five giant chunks since demolition began last November. The remaining 227 feet of the shipwreck will be cut into three huge pieces.
Inspection and replacement
But first, the towering crane used to straddle the shipwreck and tear through its hull with 400 feet of anchor chain has to undergo maintenance. The giant pulleys that help to force the chain through the hull like a dull saw are being lowered for inspection and replacement as needed, The Brunswick News reported.
Thousands of feet of wiring inside the crane are also being checked, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Himes, a spokesman for the multi-agency command overseeing the demolition.
“They’re going through the whole system to inspect for wear and tear and to recommend any needed repairs,” said Himes, who estimated the maintenance work could wrap by the end of the coming week.
Operations to resume
Himes said cutting will resume once inspections and maintenance on the crane are complete.
The demolition and cleanup are being closely watched by environmental groups. A large fire sparked by a worker’s cutting torch broke out inside the shipwreck in May, sending thick black smoke into the air. The flames were doused with boat-mounted water canons and no one was injured.
Fuel leak
A large amount of oil and fuel leaked into St. Simons Sound when the latest section of the ship was removed. Some of the leaked fuel escaped a containment barrier around the wreck. Crews cleaned up the spill with oil skimmers and absorbent boom.
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Source: News4Jax
