BOKA GLACIER

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Salvage of barge suspended

The salvage operations of the 'AMT Challenger', stranded on the beach of Sotteville-sur-Mer since Dec 8 after breaking lose from the 'Boka Glacier', have been suspended. They were to be resumed after Christmas. The weather forecasts announced between Dec 19 and 22, marked by the presence of northerly winds and a strong swell, lead to a delay in the final preparatory work for towing the barge off the beach. After an initial inspection, the salvage plan was submitted to the maritime prefecture of the Channel-North Sea and the prefecture of Seine-Maritime. The inspection of the 24 ballast tanks and their sealings were still in progress and have therefore had to be suspended until the weather conditions are more favourable. Beach ban orders have been issued by the mayors of Veules-les-Roses, Sotteville-sur-Mer and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. It is therefore still prohibited to approach the barge. Report with photo: https://actu.fr/normandie/sotteville-sur-mer_76683/la-barge-amt-challenger-va-passer-noel-sur-la-plage-de-sotteville-sur-mer_62023122.html

Salvage of grounded barge delayed

The salvage of the barge 'AMT Challenger' (IMO: 9557721), which ran aground near the beach of Sotteville-sur-Mer (Seine-Maritime) after breaking away from the 'Boka Glacier' on Dec 8 during the passage of storm Darragh, was delayed due to bad weather with northerly winds and a high swell, indicated the Seine-Maritime prefecture on Dec 19. Ahead of refloating the barge, operations took place such as pumping out 14 m³ of marine diesel to prevent any risk of pollution, as well as inspecting 24 ballast tanks, seawater tanks located under the hull of the barge and contributing to its stability. It is also necessary to identify attachment points for towing wires. The weather, however, was disrupting the implementation of the final operation.

Three tugs monitoring grounded barge

Audrey Baconnais-Rosez, the sub-prefect of the Rouen district, gave reassuring news on Dec 9 about the 120-meter barge 'AMT Challenger' that ran aground in Sotteville-sur-Mer due to storm Darragh, dismissing the fear of oil leaks, because there was only a very small quantity of marine diesel on board. The salvage plan will define the means to be implemented. Currently, three tugs were positioned offshore to ensure that the barge does not move. The barge not carrying any equipment and has now been stabilised by water-filled ballast tanks. A judicial inquirywas conducted under the authority of the public prosecutor of Dieppe, but an inspection has not yet taken place. It was tp be carried out as soon as conditions allow the agents and employees of the companies to access the barge.