Stranded Cargo Ship to be Refloated When Weather Breaks

Work is continuing to put the final touches to a towage plan following the grounding of the `Maanav Star', a cargo ship of 1175 gross ton on Camber Beach between Dungeness and Rye on Saturday evening after dragging her anchor. The ship was in ballast at the time and was carrying 9.2 tonnes of marine gas oil on board.

The ship remains aground on the high water mark and has been ballasted down to minimise her movement when pounded by waves at high tide. The vessel has suffered a piercing of the bottom shell plate but this hole is of less then 25mm in diameter and will have a patch welded to it. She is also currently without power. A generator has been sourced and is presently en-route to the vessel to re-establish the ship's services. Attempts to re-float the vessel will take place at the end of this week when there is a suitable break in the weather. Insurance and salvage representatives are discussing the salvage of the vessel with Smit - Klyne the salvage consortium who have been appointed to re-float the `Maanav Star'. The tug `Anglian Earl' is sitting off Camber Beach and will be used to tow the `Maanav Star' along with the workboat / tug `Grey Test' which is currently in Felixstow. The Grey Tests' shallow draft will allow lines to be run from the `Anglian Earl' to the `Maanav Star' and her towing capability may also be utilised to steady the vessel during the re-floating operation. All the equipment required for the operation is either on the scene or currently in transit. The marine gas oil from the `Maanav Star' will be recovered by a sludge tanker which is expected on the scene imminently.