HEPHAESTUS

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Tanker to be scuttled

The 'Hephaestus' which ran onto rocks in Malta was now set to be deliberately sunk as the islands’ latest wreck attraction. The vessel is to be scuttled at a depth of 30-40m off Qala Point on Gozo, at a site chosen because it is clear of seagrass beds. As a boat-dive, the location is easily accessible from Gozo, Malta or Comino. The 'Hephaestus' is currently being prepared with the aim of scuttling it next spring, ready for the start of the 2020 diving season. A second smaller vessel, the 'Patrol Boat 33', was originally earmarked to be scuttled as an artificial reef off Gozo in 2020, but the location of the wreck was now being reconsidered. Photo: http://www.shipspotting.com/gallery/photo.php?lid=3237365

Salvaged bunker tanker may become a dive attraction

The "Hephaestus" which had been grounded at the coast of Qawra and was towed to the Cassar Ship Repair yard in Marsa recently, will not be repaired after baulking at the price tag. The ship will therefore either be sunk as a diving attraction or sold for scrap. It will take around two months to prepare the ship for sinking after the oil is cleaned off it and other small changes are carried out to render it safe for divers.

Refloating operation getting ahead

The operation to refloat the "Hephaestus" on Qawra Point since Feb 10 succeeded in the morning of Aug 15. The salvage was being carried out by Cassar Ship Repair and started in May with a detailed assessment of the vessel. Underwater damage to the hull was then plugged. Small slipways have been placed under the hull and the ship was being gently pushed back into the sea by hydraulic jacks and pulled by a tug stern first. Once afloat, the vessel was towed to the contractor’s ship repair facility in Marsa. Transport Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority were monitoring the operation. The tanker was rigged to two tugs using chains and wire ropes in the early morning. First it budged a few centimetres and get stuck once more. but the technically well-coordinated tugs changed the angle slightly and pulled the vessel back into the water with a considerable splash. Short time later the probably last voyage to port commenced. Reports with photos and video: https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180814/local/delicate-operation-to-refloat-tanker-nears-conclusion.686794 https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180815/local/tanker-that-ran-aground-in-qawra-pulled-to-sea.686842 https://lovinmalta.com/news/local/after-six-months-shipwrecked-in-qawra-the-hephaestus-has-finally-been-removed https://www.newsbook.com.mt/artikli/2018/08/15/il-hephaestus-isalpa-wara-li-spicca-fuq-il-blat/