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Prestige still under tow by SMIT Salvage Rotterdam 17 November, 2002 The tanker Prestige remains under tow by salvage tugs some 65 miles off the Spanish coast. The vessel rode out heavy weather overnight (up to Force 9 winds) and her condition is unchanged. The salvage convoy, controlled by SMIT Salvage, has been proceeding in a southerly direction where the weather is more favourable and with the intention of entering a sheltered location suitable for ship-to-ship transfer of the vessel’s cargo. At 15.00 hours local the Spanish authorities requested the convoy to remain at its present location, pending their instructions. Five tugs are assisting the tanker, managed by Universe Maritime of Greece. Two tugs are connected up. A sixth tug, the large Global Towage Alliance tug De Da, is expected to rendezvous with the convoy later today. The intention is for De Da to connect up to the stern of the casualty and tow the vessel in such a way as to protect the damaged area, on the starboard side, from heavy seas. As a precautionary measure, the SMIT Salvage Master has decided that work on board the casualty should be confined to the daylight hours. |
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The Prestige requested assistance on Wednesday afternoon (November 13), while on passage from Latvia to Singapore, with a cargo of 77,000 tonnes of fuel oil. Weather conditions off Cape Finisterre at the time were poor, with heavy seas.
Lars Walder: Public Relations Manager
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