SALVAGE operations continued at Port of Devonport this week to remove the wrecks of TasPorts tugs York Cove and Campbell Cove from the Mersey River.
The tugs sank in late January when cement carrier Goliath collided with the two berthed vessels. TasPorts has continued to monitor the wreckage site since the collision.
This week, United Salvageremoved Campbell Cove’s gangway and mast, and completed the trenching and dredging of its the chain paths.
Rigging and lifting equipment was scheduled to arrive in Devonport from Port Kembla on Thursday 14 April.
TasPorts said in an update that the remaining fenders on the Campbell Cove will be removed in the week ahead.
“Also, a 60 tonne and 100 tonne crane will be on site at the weekend to put in place the lifting chains, and the York Cove will be prepared for fitting chain slings,” they said.
TasPorts said a second wharf fender will be removed when the crane is on site, if time permits. The fender – a steel beam – will not hinder divers’ movements and will not affect the laying out of chains.
“Finally, the cradle design for the receiving barge has been approved,” TasPorts said.
“As previously advised, when the tugs are ultimately lifted from the water they will be lowered into this specially designed cradle on the barge.
“United Salvage has advised that the project is progressing well against the original timeline.”
