German authorities introduced immediately that they plan to salvage the wreck of the Isle of Man-registered cargo ship Verity which sunk on October 24 after colliding with the Polish-managed bulker Polesie within the North Sea. The vessel, which is at the moment sitting in a single piece on the seafloor at a depth of roughly 100 toes, will probably be raised as a part of the continuing investigation by the maritime authorities in Germany, the UK, and the Bahamas, in addition to the general public prosecutor’s workplace in Hamburg. 

News of the salvage plans got here as the general public prosecutor’s workplace additionally supplied some extra particulars on the collision. They reported that the physique that was recovered shortly after the collision has been recognized because the captain of the Verity. They imagine the unnamed particular person who was 48 years previous and from the Philippines drowned. They mentioned there was no signal of foul play.

The prosecutor reported that the 4 different lacking crewmembers from the Verity have been between the ages of 43 and 47. They mentioned they have been from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Russia, with out offering their identities. All of them are believed to have died within the collision and sinking and will have been trapped aboard the vessel.

The two surviving crewmembers who have been rescued from the North Sea shortly after the collision are each reported to be from the Philippines. They are at the moment in Bremen, Germany. 

As a part of the continuing efforts, investigators from Britain and Germany interviewed the bridge staff aboard the bulker Polesie after the vessel docked in Cuxhaven the day after the collision. They reported that the knowledge from the ship’s information recorder had additionally been secured. Germany’s Federal Office for Maritime Casualty Investigations experiences it will likely be conducting witness interviews whereas additionally reviewing communication information, climate situations, and information from the operations of the Verity.

The collision occurred roughly 14 miles southwest of Helgoland. It is taken into account to be one of many busiest delivery lanes on the planet.

The Verity, which sunk after the collision, was inbuilt 2001 and owned by Faversham Ships of the Netherlands. The 3,676 dwt cargo ship departed Bremen, Germany on October 23 heading to Immingham within the UK and the German authorities are actually reporting she was carrying sheet metal.

The Polesie, a 38,000 dwt bulker registered within the Bahamas and managed by Polska Zegluga Morska departed Hamburg on October 23. She was laden and sure for La Coruna, Spain. After gathering the info and interviewing the crewmembers, the German authorities launched the ship which departed Cuxhaven on October 28. Her AIS sign exhibits her at the moment anchored off the southern coast of England.

Germany’s General Directorate of Waterways and Shipping mentioned immediately divers are making ready to go to the Verity to start the salvage operation. Currently, they’re ready for a storm to move over the realm which is inflicting hurricane-strength winds and excessive waves. Previously, that they had mentioned divers have been hampered of their efforts within the space by sturdy currents in the course of the rescue makes an attempt.

They plan to start by eradicating the cargo from the ship. They plan to additionally reduce down the masts and examine the hull for injury which may require repairs. The plan is to raise the ship intact. They count on to finish the salvage operation earlier than the tip of the 12 months.

Reports shortly after the collision mentioned the prosecutor’s workplace in Hamburg had begun an investigation into potential criminally negligent murder. During immediately’s replace, the Germany investigators warned that it may take a 12 months to have a remaining report on the causes of the collision and suggestions.