A Weeks Marine crane prepares to drive a heap making use of a vibratory hammerFeb 26, 2020, nearSt Simons Island, Georgia, as component of the building and construction of the environmental management obstacle around theGolden Ray Photo:St Simons Sound Unified Command.

The Unified Command supervising the wreckage elimination of the Golden Ray inSt Simons Sound has actually introduced that job will certainly be put on hold as a result of mixed influences of cyclone period as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The brief time out will certainly postpone the cutting as well as training procedures of the vessel till after height cyclone period. A staff will certainly continue to be to keep an eye on to the wreckage as well as react as required.

“While we are proud of the fact that our response protocols and responder discipline have held COVID-19 at bay until early July, COVID-19 has finally impacted this response.” stated Incident Commander Tom Wiker of Gallagher Marine Systems.

To day, 10 employees have actually examined favorable as well as greater than 50 have actually quarantined as a result of speak to mapping, out of the about 300 employees servicing the job.

“Impacts to response personnel warranted the Unified Command to reconsider moving forward with complicated cutting and lifting operations as the height of hurricane season looms,” the Unified Command stated in a declaration. “COVID-19 has been all or partially impactful on delays in the mobilization of response resources in the global supply chain, delays in fabrication of necessary equipment such as lifting lugs, and delays in barge modifications.”

“Although COVID-19 and the weather conditions during this time of year are two separate issues, they should be considered jointly as they both relate to the overall project success. Separately these impacts are difficult to manage but together they create a uniquely challenging situation,” included Wiker.

The verified situations come in spite of steps to restrict COVID-19 direct exposure that have actually consisted of day-to-day checkup, called for using of face treatments, safe-distancing as well as teleworking (whenever feasible), self-quarantines for all inbound participants, continual sanitation of centers as well as job systems, as well as call mapping methods when essential.

“Pausing operations allows us to reduce the immediate risk of COVID-19 to responders, minimize combined COVID-19 and Heavy Weather Risks to future operations, and allows us to implement robust, long-term COVID-19 mitigating measures when we resume.” statedCmdr Efren Lopez, Federal On-Scene Coordinator “This operation is unprecedented and we remain committed to reducing risks and ensuring overall success.”

The wreckage of the Golden Ray continues to be secure as well as is not anticipated to affect the deep water network or to business ship web traffic. Responders will certainly remain to keep an eye on as well as preserve the Environmental Protection Barrier (EPB) that has actually been built around the wreckage, along with 24-hour surveillance of the vessel itself.

The hefty lift vessel VB 10,000, which has actually been changed particularly for the reducing training procedure, will certainly continue to be in the area. The vessel will become activated toSt Simon’s Sound to start reducing as well as raising procedures on or regarding October 1.

The reducing as well as raising procedures are prepared for to take 8 weeks when began, preventing any type of unanticipated scenarios.

The Golden Ray was bring regarding 4,200 automobiles when it shed security as well as based as it left the Port of Brunswick back in September 2019. All automobiles continue to be inside the ship’s freight holds.

The eliminate the vessel, salvors have actually chosen to reduce the wreckage right into areas for elimination. The VB-1000’s gantry cranes will certainly make use of 400-foot sizes of chain to reduce the tipped over vessel Golden Ray right into 8 items as well as raise them onto barges for ultimate transport to Louisiana for reusing.

“All other aspects of the response will remain in place and the pause only pertains to the actual cutting and lifting of the ship sections. Since day one of this response, our priorities have been the safety of the public and all team members, and the preservation of the vast resources and beauty of St. Simons Sound.” stated John Maddox, State On-Scene Coordinator “During these difficult times, we remain committed to a safe and successful removal of the Golden Ray and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we move forward.”