New Flame De-Fueling Operations Recommence

Published Aug 24, 2007 12:01 AM by The Maritime Executive

The de-fueling of the Panamanian cargo vessel New Flame recommenced on Tuesday, August 22, after it was determined that the stranded vessel was not in danger of breaking in two. The latest official press release (August 22) from the Government of Gibraltar states, “Currently, the salvage team are carrying out further calculations and considering the option of the possibility of salvaging the entire vessel, by introducing buoyancy to the forward part of the vessel, which will enable her stern to float free of the seabed in a controlled manner with two tugs attached.”

The Danish product tanker Torm Gertrude and the New Flame collided just south of Europa Point, Gibraltar early Sunday, August 12. The Torm Gertrude was heading inbound for the Port of Algeciras, Spain from the Eastern Mediterranean, while the New Flame, carrying scrap metal, had just left Gibraltar en route to Turkey. Both ships sustained damage, but the Danish vessel was able to continue to Algeciras, where the Gibraltar government reports it is in “safe condition.” The damage to the New Flame caused the vessel to take on water and begin sinking by the bow. The ship’s bow is currently resting on a nearby reef, which it drifted to after the collision, while the rest of the vessel is afloat in the water.

When the New Flame began sinking, all 23 members of her crew abandoned ship safely, though some reportedly had to be taken to a nearby hospital. The Gibraltar Port Authority immediately activated its Emergency Response Plan and the Minister for Shipping, Joe Holliday, arrived on scene the day of the incident. The Gibraltar Maritime Administration has also begun an investigation into the incident, especially since the New Flame left the Port of Gibraltar without the necessary clearance. Additionally, according to an August 13 Government of Gibraltar press release, “the Royal Gibraltar Police have arrested the Master of the Vessel, Captain D Konstantinos on suspicion of conduct likely to endanger shipping under the Merchant Shipping Act of Gibraltar.” He was remanded into custody and appeared before the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, August 14, but the case was then adjourned until August 28.

Gibraltar Maritime Surveyors performed a full onboard inspection, while divers inspected the ship’s hull. Gibraltar officials met with the owners of the New Flame and salvage experts from Tsalviris Salvage Group to determine a salvage plan. The first part of the plan involved removing the ship’s fuel in order to reduce the risk of an oil spill. The de-fueling operation began on Thursday, August 16, by using the ship’s own pumping system to pump the fuel to a bunker barge.

The operation was then halted on Monday, August 20, when it appeared that the vessel was in danger of breaking in two and officials. However, according to the latest Government of Gibraltar press release, the removal of the fuel recommenced after underwater surveys showed that “60% of the vessel strength still remains.” The press releases goes on to state that the de-fueling operation will continue on a “24hr basis until a decision on the salvage of the vessel has been reached.” If the ship is refloated in its entirety, “it will be held in its current position by the two tugs until such time as sufficient buoyancy can be introduced and her stability controlled. Thereafter, the vessel will be towed to a more secure location where operations to improve her condition, as well as to remove any fuel which may remain, will commence.”

Photos:
• One of the salvage tugs: http://maritime-executive.com/photos/New_Flame_Salvage_Boat.jpg
• Damage to the Torm Gertrude: http://maritime-executive.com/photos/torm_gertrude.jpg
• Sinking New Flame: http://maritime-executive.com/photos/New_Flame_Sinking.jpg

All Photos © DM Parody (http://dotcom.gi/photos)