Donjon Marine Removes Grounded Vessels

Donjon removed the Navy research vessel Shadwell from Mobile Bay, after it was grounded as a result of the recent hurricanes.

Donjon Marine, Co., Inc., recently removed from strand the Ex-Troop Carrier State of Maine and the Navy research vessel Shadwell, which were grounded on Little Sand Island in Mobile Bay, Ala., as a result of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The operation was planned, and directed by Donjon, but performed with the use of local subcontractors for dredging, crane barge, and towing services. A U.S. Navy Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) also was deployed for diving and support labor. This project also offered an opportunity for the MDSU team to use and train on its hydraulic pulling equipment, which was specifically designed for grounding operations.

This operation was a continuation of the cleanup efforts which occurred as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita where Donjon served as the lead Salvage Contractor for the Federal Response as a result of its competitively bid U.S. Navy Salvage and Related Services Contract with the U.S. Navy, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving. Donjon has held that contract, uninterrupted, since 1979, after a competitive bidding process approximately every five years. As such, Donjon supplied equipment and personnel in support of the needs of the Federal Response Team (FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and U.S. Coast Guard who tasked and directed the U.S. Navy, Supervisor of Salvage and Diving).