QAWRA SHIP
Removal of shipwrecked vessel was hampered due to wind over past months
Work on removing the shipwrecked Hephaestus was hampered by weeks of windy days in the past months, Transport Malta told The Malta Independent.
The Togo-registered vessel, the 885-tonne Hephaestus, ran aground in Qawra not far from the site where St Paul and St Luke, according to the Bible, were shipwrecked about 2,000 years ago. The ship ran aground in a thunderstorm and northerly Force 6 to winds when it was approaching Malta in February.
The crew, made up of five Bangladeshis and two Russians, left Malta in February. They had been at sea for four months before the shipwreck. After the shipwreck, they were offered shelter at the Seafarers’ Centre, in Floriana.
Work to remove the vessel began on May 21, and Transport Malta that day had said that the work was expected to take around thirty five days. The ship however remains beached in Qawra to this day.
The P&I Club as insurers had, on behalf of the owners of the vessel, had issued a call for quotations to several potential contractors, to commission the removal. Local contractors Cassar Ship Repair (CSR) were awarded the contract.
Asked about the delays, and when the ship is expected to be removed, Transport Malta told this newsroom that it is following the contractor’s progress, on removing the vessel Hephaestus, closely. Their plan is to patch up the hull of the ship, so it can be floated once again. They will then tow the vessel to their shipyard, dismantle and disposed of it, in compliance with strict environmental regulations.
“The work was hampered by weeks of windy days. The adverse weather could have jeopardised the workers’ safety since the vessel is exposed to waves from several sides.
“With such delicate operations, where the situation is very dynamic, it is difficult to establish exact timelines. Transport Malta is monitoring the situation and works being undertaken by the Contractor appointed by the P&I underwriters.”
Asked about any further danger of spillages, Transport Malta said that is priority following the beaching of the vessel, was to protect the Maltese shores and waters.
“The contractor has thus removed all lubricating oils and gas from the vessel. The Authority has also set up no go zones, both on land and at sea, to minimise any potential hazards for the public.”