Quote:
Originally Posted by PeterM
Anyone have a steer on the cause ?
Was the hull puncture by the JCB that's been quoted as flooding the decks the cause or result of the list ?
something else ?
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I think it's probably safe to say that the hull was punctured but not by a JCB ... It was actually a 20 odd tonne mobile crane that broke free due to the excessive list and rolled down ( over the top of a brand new RR Evoque completely flattening it) then collided with a 32t JCB excavator dragging it with it as it carried on downhill. it looks like the rear jackleg of the crane punctured the hull resulting in a 2m x 10cm gash.
This was plugged by divers on third day of the salvage operation.
For reference, we (along with VTS) were in direct contact with the pilot on board from the onset. He did a tremendous job and remained calm and collected right to the end when he ( after assuring that ALL the crew had been safely evacuated) was air lifted off himself. he deserves the utmost respect for his actions and behaviour as trying to coordinate the evacuation of a ship that is gradually leaning over to the point that it becomes impossible to walk on is no easy feat.
Doors that would normally allow access to cabins all of a sudden become trap-doors in the floor leading to a 4 or 5 meter drop to the bottom of the room. It's a very strange sensation indeed trying to navigate around a ship in that condition.
As in one of the pictures I posted, stairways become a climbing frame as the treads are all but useless. Doors which are normally well balanced on their hinges all of a sudden require all your strength to open and fold back in order to latch open.
Nothing is easy and even the simplest of tasks become very tiring very quickly.
Anyway, once the salvage is completed, the vessel is unloaded and sails for repairs (yes, she will be easily repaired) then I'll probably post a few pictures.
Ta
Simon
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