Salvage operation on the capsized MV Princess of the Stars started

Miami
September 27, 2008
Story: Salvage operation on the capsized MV Princess of the Stars started

The salvage operation on the capsized MV Princess of the Stars has started last September 24, 2008.

According to Jordan Go, one of the Vice-President of Sulpicio Lines, Inc. During its first day of operation, the salvage operator Titan and Harborstar started to survey the vessel on where they can cut a hole on the vessel for their remote operated vehicle can get inside.

Then last September 25, the divers from salvage Harborstar started cutting a hole at the starboardside located at the right side of the vessel which is now under water.

“On their survey, they found out that the container which carries the endosulfan still intact,” Go said. He added that the hole is about 5x4 feet, creating an entrance and access at the cargo hold area.

However, at around, 1:00 pm of September 27, salvage operations was stopped because of the big waves at the area.

Philippine Coast Guard Oil Spill Response Team was deployed near the capsized MV Princess of the Stars to monitor possible oil spill during retrieval operations. Also, four PCG vessels were also deployed near the vessel to provide security to those who are doing salvage operations.

Go explained that their agreement with Titan and Harborstar for the salvage operation will last 30 good weather working days. If the operations will have to stopped due to bad weather, that is not counted.

He added that the team are also studying on when they can remove the endosulfan at the vessel that would not cause harm.