SMIT Tows Prestige

SMIT Salvage has called one of its tugs, De Da, to assist with the ongoing salvage effort onboard the Prestige. The leaking tanker leaked approximately 5,000 tons of oil, affecting the northwestern Spanish coast. The De Da, with a bollard pull of 200 tonnes, has been assigned the task of connecting to the stern of the stricken vessel and manuevering it away from the continued battering of incoming waves. With the Prestige exposed to the violent Atlantic conditions, it can be reported that the salvage team has had no option but to head south in search of calmer waters. The ship's condition is stable and the tow continues on a southerly track, with the convoy some 70 miles offshore. The decision to proceed on a southerly heading is dictated by hostile weather to the north. The weather on scene is currently moderate, with Force 3-4 winds. Weather conditions are forecast to remain unchanged for the next 24-hour period. The situation onboard the Prestige remains volatile and dependent upon weather conditions. Over the past 72 hours the salvage team has been able to stabilize the vessel but calmer waters are vital if the vessels cargo is to be saved.