3 tugs for Sealand refloat bid
2003-08-29 13:13
Cape Town - Salvors Smit Marine, hoping to take advantage of the high tide swells predicted for Friday evening, are preparing the Sealand Express for refloating.
Spokesperson Clare Gomes said three tugs - Pacific Ariki, Pacific Brigand and Pacific Worker - which would be used during the refloating attempt were being connected to Sealand Express.
The tugs, with a combined bollard pull of 400 tons, would put strain on the tow wires, so as to prevent the ship from becoming too lively during the deballasting process.
The vessel, which grounded off Sunset Beach in Table Bay last week, had 3 700 tons of fuel aboard.
Gomes said if the attempt at refloating was unsuccessful, the salvage team would continue with removing the hazardous cargo from the ship.
If unsuccessful, the next attempt at refloating would take place between September 10 and 12, when the next spring tide occurs.
Stress monitors fitted to Sealand Express's hull indicated her condition was still sound.
- SAPA