Damaged Crew Boat Salvaged in Gulf of Mexico

Inland Salvage Inc. completed the salvage of a crew boat in the Gulf of Mexico. The vessel began taking on water after striking a structure during offshore operations. Attempts to bring the vessel in under her own power ended approximately 15 miles offshore from Pascagoula, MS when the seas began washing over her bow. All crewmembers safely abandoned the vessel and she was soon set adrift unmanned.

Inland Salvage was contacted by the owner and mobilized crews to begin salvage operations. Within 24 hours, the salvage team had the still floating vessel stabilized, secured along side a crane barge, and began pumping off the 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel remaining in her tanks. At the same time, an Inland Salvage heavy lift barge was underway from their facility in Harvey, La. With the fuel removal complete and weather conditions deteriorating, it became necessary for the vessel to be moved into protected waters to continue the salvage operation.

After an overnight tow through rough weather the salvage spread met up with the heavy lift barge in Biloxi's Back Bay. Protected from the weather and seas, divers were able to rig the wreck to the crane so that she could be lifted onto a waiting deck barge. Once secured to the receiving barge the wreck was towed to the shipyard for repairs.

The Salvor worked closely with the United States Coast Guard during all phases of the operation. Daily safety and job task meetings were conducted to insure that all participants in the salvage were aware and prepared for the daily activities. The resources of all personnel were directed towards one common goal: a well planned and safely executed operation.

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