THE scuttling work of the derelict vessel, MV Southern Phoenix, that sank in the Suva Harbour on May 6, 2017, is progressing well.
The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has stated that as of last week, the hull of the vessel was re-floated, this after the successful re-flotation of the ship.
“All structures, including accommodation, have been cut off and sunk at the provided scuttling position which is beyond 1000m in water depth outside the Suva Harbour,” MSAF acting CEO Captain Philip Hill said in a statement issued today.
“The ship is further stabilised at the sunken position, this is preparing to move the hull to the standby mooring for the final tow out to the scuttling position,” Cpt Hill was quoted saying.
“The hull of the ship is the remaining part of the vessel that needs to be scuttled.”
He said the positive outcome of the removal of this cargo vessel was through the joint collaboration of vessel owner Cruz Holdings Limited, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited, and MSAF.
Cpt Hill said all approvals for relevant authorities were obtained in 2018 prior to the commencement of the salvage operation.
“As it is, there is no timeline for the scuttling operation. This is only because we want the scuttling operation to be done in a very careful and efficient manner and that the scuttling process does not pose any threat to other vessels in terms of navigation,” he added.
The vessel has been observed not to have any breach to the hull, therefore, supports the salvage methods.
