UK authorities say they have removed the pollutants from a general cargo vessel that ran aground off Scotland late last month.
The work was carried out by salvage company Resolve, which is also preparing to remove the cargo from the 4,293-dwt Kaami (built 1994).
“So far, specialist salvage teams have removed most of the remaining fuel and contaminated seawater from on-board fuel tanks for recycling and disposal ashore. The fuel removal operation is nearing completion,” the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said in a statement.
“In addition, salvors have removed most other pollutants and loose material, such as paints, ropes and buoys, as these might hamper future operations and had the potential to impact on the environment and wildlife.”
Specialist divers
The MCA said salvors and specialist divers are carrying out on-board and underwater surveys to assist with the intended re-floating and eventual removal of the vessel.
“Work is ongoing by the salvors to contract and prepare a suitable barge in the Western Isles to enable cargo-offload when weather and sea conditions allow for safe operations,” it said.
“Arrangements for dealing with the offloaded cargo are being developed in consultation with the waste regulator Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other partner organisations.”
The MCA said regular monitoring flights are being carried out to provide aerial footage and detect and assess any pollution.
“It is believed that around 28 cubic metres of diesel have escaped from the ship following the grounding,” it said.
“The Scottish Environment Group is aware and has assessed the impact of the pollution as low and non-persistent.”
A temporary exclusion zone of 500 metres remains in place around the Kaami to all but those vessels directly involved in supporting the response.
The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out an investigation remotely with assistance from the salvors.
The salvage is being overseen by the UK Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention supported by the MCA, salvors, the ship’s insurers and the Scottish Environment Group.
Crew airlifted
The Kaami’s eight Russian crew had to be airlifted to safety after their vessel ran aground off Scotland on 24 March.
A local RNLI lifeboat responded to a mayday from the vessel, while the emergency towing vessel Ievoli Black (built 2010) and the Northern Lighthouse Board buoy-laying vessel Pharos X (built 2007) were also directed to the scene.
The Bahamas-flagged Kaami had left Drogheda Port in Ireland the previous Saturday evening and was due to arrive in Slite, Sweden, the following Saturday morning.
The weather conditions on scene at the time of the incident were said to have been a F8 southerly wind (45 mph) with a rough sea state, according to the RNLI.
