Salvage Operations Begin on Grounded Tug

The U.S. Coast Guard continues to oversee salvage efforts of the towing vessel Kimberly Selvick in Lake Michigan off of Burnham Park, Friday afternoon.

The Kimberly Selvick began taking on water and became partially submerged while trying to retrieve two barges that broke free during a tow, Monday afternoon.

The Kimberly Selvick remains partially submerged. A dive survey of the hull has been completed. While the hull appeared intact, divers were unable to see underneath the vessel due to the position in which it is aground.

The Coast Guard approved the salvage plan and will continue oversight until completion. A crane barge and other equipment are on scene to remove diesel fuel from the vessel, a process known as lightering, to minimize the potential for environmental impact. Once the fuel has been removed from the tanks, the vessel will be dewatered and refloated. The crane barge will be used to stabilize the vessel during lightering and dewatering.

Pollution responders from Marine Safety Unit Chicago have been working with cleanup and salvage crews, as well as the owners of the vessel since the vessel started taking on water May 5.

The timeline for refloating and towing the vessel to a repair facility depends upon weather conditions.

uscgnews.com