Refloat attempt started for Pasha Bulker
by NSW Maritime on 28 Jun 2007
Pasha Bulker - Nobby’’s Beach. Photo Courtesy Justin Henderson SW
Tow lines from the three salvage tugs attached to the grounded coal carrier, Pasha Bulker at Nobbys Beach in Newcastle, have been tensioned in readiness for a refloat attempt over the next two hours .
The third of three salvage tugs, Pacific Responder, was attached to the carrier earlier today as part of preparations for the attempted refloat.
Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said the Keera and Woona were attached to the vessel yesterday while a fourth tug, Wickham, remains on standby in waters near the vessel.
'De-ballasting of water from the ship is underway as the salvage team also starts to pressurise the bottom tanks of the vessel to increase bouyancy,' said the Minister.
'This evening’s high tide remains the target for the refloat attempt, however I stress it may take a number of high tides to refloat the vessel. Weather conditions will play an important role.
'The pressurising of the bottom tanks which contain sea water after a breach of the hull may result in oil residue being expelled from the Pasha Bulker.
The three tugs are now attempting to pivot the bow of coal carrier from the shallows 180 degrees into deeper water. Tomorrow nights tide will be higher than this evenings, so authorities recognise the process make take these three tides at least.
'There is always a risk the refloat operation will not go as planned,' said Mr Tripodi. 'Oil pollution equipment is in readiness at Nobbys Beach. An environmental management team is on standby.
Newcastle Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb said the Incident Control Centre was continuing to liaise with the salvage team regarding the condition of the vessel. Progress continues with preparations for the refloat attempt.
'Weather conditions at present remain favourable. We are aware of an increasing swell which is being monitored,' Mr Webb said.
Newcastle Port Corporation CEO, Gary Webb said that the oil spill response team remains on standby and the Incident Control Centre continues to liaise with the salvage team regarding the condition of the vessel.
'Our Incident Control Centre continues to work around the clock and both oil-spill response and environmental management teams remain on standby,' he said.
'We continue to monitor the weather and tidal conditions and will keep the public advised of progress,' Mr Webb said.
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