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Katherine sailing again

After the cargo of the "Katherine" was redelivered at Syros and Lavrio following lengthy repairs in Ermoupolis, the bulkcarrier proceeded to Marghera with an ETA of Oct 7. On August 15, the vessel had been redelivered to owners at Syros, and since Sep 28 cargo was redelivered. On July 4 had Tsavliris Salvage dispatched its salvage tug "Megas Alexandros" from her Piraeus salvage station, to the assistance of the bulk carrier , having been laden with 26,400 MT of hot briquetted iron, following a collision with the bulk carrier "Baru Satu" in the Kafirea Strait. The bulbous bow of the "Baru Satu" had penetrated her cargo hold no.5, which flooded. The "Baru Satu" sustained severe bow damage, including, flooding of fore peak tank and cargo hold no.1. Tsavliris also dispatched the salvage tug "Alexander 5", anti pollution vessel Aegis I and the tug "Agios Nektarios". As an antipollution contingency measure, oil booms were deployed around the casualty. On July 5 a full inspections and diving surveys were undertaken to assess the damages and devise salvage plans. Adverse weather conditions with strong northerly winds prevailed throughout and it was decided to tow both vessels, while locked into each other, East of Kea Island for shelter. Both vessels were towed by the "Megas Alexandros" and "Alexander 5" with the other tugs escorting. On July 6 the salvage team, in cooperation with the salvors of the "Baru Satu" commenced attempts to separate the two casualties but without success. The separation plan required cutting away deformed plates from the M/V Katherine in order to separate the two vessels. Following completion of the works, the two casualties were separated on July 7. With the "Megas Alexandros" towing, "Alexander 5" escorting and assisting and "Aegis I" escorting, the "Katherine" was taken to the Thoriko Bay following approval by the Greek Authorities. The casualty was anchored with a buoy anchoring system in place at the aft of the casualty to keep her in p.osition Two barges of 800 and 1,500 metric tons respectivel) and one floating crane barge of 150 metric tons in combination with tugs were dispatched to the casualty's position for cargo discharging. The cargo hold number 5 breached and flooded. Water had entered cargo holds numbers 2 and 3, through the bilge line system. The cargo reacts with sea water, and the reaction produces high temperatures and the explosive gas hyrdrogen, therefore it was imperative to closely monitor the situation. A marine chemist was on board to continuously check the temperatures of the cargo. The cargo discharging operation commenced on July 9. On the same day, smoke was discovered over cargo hold number 3, with the cargo heating up to 62 degrees C, and there was fear this would increase, therefore, salvage team closely supervised the situation. Fuel de-bunkering to the Aegis I also commenced and oil booms were deployed around the stern of the casualty. On July 10 the casualty and all vessels involved in salvage operation were relocated to another position in the bay, allowing a safer distance from the rocky beach. Cargo discharging continued. 16,000 m2 of land was rented in Lavrio port to store the cargo in separate heaps, depending on condition. A security company was appointed to secure the cargo at the port. The "shuttling" of the discharged cargo from Thoriko Bay to Lavrio port lasted one month. On July 28 NKK Class granted approval for towage to Syros Island. Cargo operations were completed on the July 31 and the MV Katherine was prepared for towage to Syros, but was denied outward clearance due to adverse weather and Greek regulations. On August 10 the "Katherine" was granted outward clearance. The "Megas Alexandros" connected a towline and commenced towage to Syros, with the "Alexander 3" assisting, to Syros Island roads. On August 11 the convoy moored alongside a quay at Neorion Shipyards at Syros, and the "Megas Alexandros" and "Alexander 3" were demobilized. The cargo of about 25,625 tons was stored at Lavrio commercial port and cargo of about 800 tons was stored at Neorion shipyard, Syros, under the attendance/custody of salvors. Cargo from hold No.5, due to contamination by sea water, required special attention by a marine chemist at both places. On Aug 21 a joint survey and sampling of cargo at Lavrio and Syros respectively was carried out in order to verify the condition of sound cargo and cargo ex no. 5 hold contaminated by sea water. On August 15, the vessel was redelivered to its owners at Syros. Report with photos: http://www.marinelink.com/news/tsavliris-salvages359446.aspx

Bulk carriers Katherine and Baru Satu are under tow

July 8 13: Bulk carriers Katherine and Baru Satu are under tow to unnamed port or place of refuge, Katherine seems to be stabilized. Almost three days vessels apparently, were kept stuck after collision, a decision which seemingly, saved Katherine from sinking. Full story with all photos at: http://www.news.odin.tc/index.php?page=view/article/603/Baru-Satu-left-Katherine-under-tow-Katherine-moving-around-surrounded-by-salvage-boats

Baru Satu left Katherine under tow, Katherine moving around surrounded by salvage boats

July 7 – bulk carriers Katherine and Baru Satu were separated, assuming all the time after collision they’ve been stuck together, sometime in the afternoon July 7. Baru Satu seems to be under tow of tug Aegeon Pelagos (IMO:6518140) proceeding in NW direction. Katherine condition still unclear, vessel with several salvage boats at its side is circling around. Full story with all photos and maps at http://www.news.odin.tc/index.php?page=view/article/603/Baru-Satu-left-Katherine-under-tow-Katherine-moving-around-surrounded-by-salvage-boats