Crews onboard the job barges Farrell [left] and also Columbia [right], job to tidy recurring gas oil from storage tanks inside the M/V Golden Ray,St Simons Sound,Dec 3, 2019. The job barges supply a system for workers and also tools to do numerous jobs to prepare the wreckage for elimination (Image:St Stephen’s Sound Unified Command
Another landmark has actually been gotten to in the continuous initiatives to get rid of the capsized automobile provider Golden Ray, which has actually continued to be hing on its side inSt Stephen’sSound Georgia, considering that September 8.
The Unified Command reacting to the circumstance (USCG, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Gallagher Marine Systems) records that it has actually efficiently finished the pumping of oil from all the vessel’s obtainable storage tanks.
Salvage employees and also scuba divers got to 26 gas storage tanks inside the Golden Ray, a few of which were immersed and also can just be gotten to by rappelling and also performing dive procedures inside the wreckage. Fuel was pumped from the storage tanks right into a barge for correct disposal. The insides of the storage tanks were after that cleaned with vapor to get rid of recurring gas, which was accumulated and also moved right into containers.
More than 320,000 gallons of oil and also water blend were gotten rid of.
The Unified Command proceeds the forensic examination to figure out a precise quantity of gas onboard at the time of the case and also the quantity released right into the atmosphere.
“I’d like to thank the over 500 women and men who assisted in every aspect of this successful operation,” claimed Chris Graff ofGallagher Marine Systems “We’ve relied on the Brunswick community and experts around the world to reach this point and are grateful to all those who contributed”
“This milestone helps ensure the health of the environment and the livelihoods of the people who rely on the St. Simons Sound. The removal of fuel from the vessel has significantly reduced the remaining threat to the environment” claimed Jed Hewitt from Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division.
“The completion of the fuel removal allows the Unified Command to move on to our ultimate goal of safely removing the wreck of the Golden Ray. Removal of the vessel will be a highly complex and challenging operation,” claimed Commander Matt Baer, UNITED STATECoast Guard “Unified Command will take every possible measure to ensure the safety of those involved in the operation, the public and the environment.”
PROP, SHAFTING AND ALSO TAIL ELIMINATION BEGINS
To enhance the security of the wreckage, Unified Command has actually started the elimination of the vessel’s prop, prop shaft and also tail, which evaluate an overall of about 130 heaps.
“Due to the vessel’s orientation on its side, these components are creating a load which the vessel was not designed to support. Imagine holding a milk jug with an outstretched arm compared to the same weight hanging at your side. Removing these components will help reduce the stresses on the hull” claimed Chief Warrant Officer Jeremiah Winston, Unified Command Salvage Branch supervisor. “This operation will help sustain the integrity of the wreck while we prepare for its full removal.”
Plans for the building and construction of an environmental management obstacle and also the complete elimination of the wreckage remain to be assessed and also will certainly be revealed as soon as an option is made.
