Sinking of General Cargo Vessel – Salvage and Heavy Pollution

Case Details

Instruction Date : 2016

Incident Location : Andros Island, Greece

Salvage / Antipollution Contractors : MEGATUGS-SMIT / Antipollution SA

Salvage Works Duration : ≈ 3 months

Antipollution Works Duration : ≈ 11 months

General Notes / MMC Involvement

The 4,250 GT General Cargo vessel run aground in heavy weather and broke apart (CTL) on the northern shore of the Island of Andros, Greece. The vessel was loaded with a cargo of “Ferro Nickel (FeNi)” in bulk and approximately 80MT of bunkers onboard. As a result of the sinking, eight (8) nearby bays/coves and beaches of the island were variously polluted by oil and debris (≈ 7km of coastline). The combined salvage and antipollution response teams mobilized included various crafts (floating crane, tugboats, support boats etc.) and in excess of 50 personnel.     

MMC was acting for the P&I Insurers of the vessel. Liaised with Salvage and Antipollution personnel and local Coastguard, monitored on a daily basis all antipollution and salvage operations for the duration of the project. Daily patrolling by field surveyors and reporting to the head office. Close cooperation and daily meetings with the Salvage Master and appointed SCR (Special Casualty Representative). On completion of all operations, in cooperation with the P&I appointed lawyers and the local Coastguard and Maritime Ministry Officials arranging for the delivery all the affected shoreline and acceptance by Greek Authorities and local Municipality officials.