Bisso Salvages Collapsed Crane

Bisso Marine Company, Inc., in New Orleans, has successfully completed the salvage of the 1,200 ton Gantry Ship Unloader from the Mississippi River at the IC Railmarine Terminal, Convent, La. The crane collapsed from the dock during testing procedures last June. Bisso cut the unloader into three main sections, utilizing shape charge type explosives. The sections were lifted by Bisso Marine derricks and transported to a secure lay down area on the batture behind the dock for forensic investigation. The 90 ton trolley, test weights, counterweights and other miscellaneous equipment from the crane were recovered from 80 to 135 ft. water depths by Bisso Marine divers and equipment. Also, the company's survey department completed a contract for the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, Office of Conservation. The contract called for an obstruction clearance survey one mile offshore Holly Beach, La. This survey was conducted onboard S/V Eagle Eye II, using side scan sonar, magnetometer, DGPS, tracking and plotting software and divers. Several obstructions were locatred and identified, including two abandoned wells. Pipelines were also located and plotted.