- Fresh Structural Issues Found Below Deck.
- Salvage Crews Recover Damaged Gear.
- Debris and Tar Ball Discovered on Shoreline.
A recent wind storm has caused fresh structural damage inside the grounded container vessel on Newfoundland’s west coast, according to the Canadian Coast Guard. Crews identified damage to walkways and walls below deck during inspections. Bruce English, senior response officer for marine environmental and hazards, said last week brought “probably the worst weather we had since it went to ground.” He noted there had always been a “crinkle” on the exterior since the vessel ran aground in February, but the impact is now visible from inside as well, reports CBC.
Structural Concerns Expanding
A Coast Guard update reported additional damage to framing, bulkheads and the area around the water ballast tank. English said places previously considered safe “may no longer be,” prompting crews to begin a thorough internal assessment of all affected areas.
Salvage Teams Recover Damaged Gear
Salvage crews boarded earlier this week to recover equipment from the deck. “Quite a bit of it had been damaged,” said English.
Daily shoreline inspections continued throughout the turbulent weather, and one tar ball was found on Cedar Cove. English said most debris found ashore consisted of “regular stuff” used by crews, such as tools, diving gear and water bottles. “They removed 10, 15 bags of debris from the shoreline,” he added.
Risk of Further Deterioration
With more harsh weather expected, English said he’s “without a doubt” worried about additional damage. “It’s not easy,” he said. “It’s really at the mercy of the environment.”
The Coast Guard noted that a full damage assessment of equipment is underway and replacements will be made where needed.
Long Road Ahead
The container vessel ran aground in February, and cleanup and salvage operations have continued for months. Some oil remains in the tanks and is still being removed. English said crews will continue working through the winter, and it may be spring before planning begins for removing the vessel.
“That’s not going to be an easy task.”
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Source: CBC
