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The situation with the large merchant ship stranded near Kamen Bryag has become more complicated after the original plan to unload it by floating crane and barge has so far failed. New options are being sought. This became clear from the words of the executive director of the Maritime Administration Executive Agency, Capt. Zhivko Petrov, at a briefing for journalists at the Ministry of Transport.
Cap. Petrov explained that the owner of the ship had appointed a representative who, together with the insurers, had taken action to establish the damage and take action to free the ship from the shoals.
A diving inspection and depth survey was performed, as this is an area that is not used for navigation because there are rocks there. The purpose is to see if another ship, a floating crane or a tugboat, can approach around the ship, added Cap. Petrov.
A comprehensive plan and estimate for the release of the ship from the shoal has already been provided. However, as there was no room for another ship to stand next to it, it was suggested that part of the cargo be unloaded at sea. Although the cargo is not dangerous for the marine environment, the Ministry of Environment and Water and the Maritime Administration do not agree and believe that other options should be sought for unloading the ship. The main reason for the refusal is that there is a protected area. The problem is that the load is a lot. It takes about half of the cargo – 1000-1500 tons, to be removed to see if the ship will be able to sail.
The front parts of the ship are drilled and there are about 550-600 tons of water in the hull. Given that it is stuck on a rock, it is estimated that at least 1000 tons must be unloaded. But a complete unloading may be necessary. Therefore, options are currently being considered with what forces and means to unload the ship.
There is no danger for the crew, and there is no danger of pollution, because the ship has almost no fuel. Captain Petrov assured that there could be no oil spill.
The point is not to keep the ship there for long, because a storm could break it and sink.
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