SUNKEN TasPorts tugs York Cove and Campbell Cove are being prepared to be lifted from the Mersey River in Port of Devonport.
United Salvage has been working to remove the wreckages after cement carrier Goliath collided with the two berthed tugs in late January.
According to TasPorts’ most recent update, rear fenders from Campbell Cove have been removed and lifted onto the wharf, and the wharf fender has been removed from the seabed.
Four chain slings have been secured in position for the removal of Campbell Cove, and two chain slings have been secured for the removal of York Cove. Two additional slings are expected to be put in position this week.
The mast of York Cove has been cut off and is expected to be lifted onto the wharf this week.
“Also planned for next week, the forward and rear fenders of the York Cove will be removed to lighten the tug for the lift,” TasPorts said in the update.
Although the salvage operation is still reportedly progressing well against the original planned schedule, the timing of the work has been impacted by COVID-19 and recent wet weather.
“TasPorts’ contractor United Salvage has advised that the workforce of the company engaged to build the cradles to support the wrecks on the salvage barge has been severely impacted by COVID, delaying the fabrication works,” TasPorts said.
“As a result, the specialist salvage barges, the 55-metre-long receiving barge, the Intan, and the 60-metre-long crane barge St Vincent, with a lifting capacity of up to 700 tonnes, are now not expected to depart mainland Australia for Tasmania until the end of April.
“TasPorts is engaging directly with its customers regarding ship visits to Devonport prior to the arrival of the barges and the start of the lift operation.”
