Bulk carrier ran aground. In late January the Bahamian registered bulk carrier 'Gdansk, laden with 36,000 tonnes of iron ore, ran aground at km 184 on the Orinoco River in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.
Due to prolonged drought conditions the casualty had run onto an underwater rock structure, resulting in a 70 metre gash in her double bottom, breaching multiple tanks and resulting in fuel oil being spilled into the river.

Salvage services
An immediate response to lighter the remaining fuel oil was ordered by local authorities. SMIT Salvage, with local partners Terminales Maracaibo, as well as resources from Rotterdam and Houston were dispatched to support.

The operation involved lightering about 1/3rd of her cargo, along with an estimated 400 tonnes of heavy fuel oil and proved to be challenging. After lightering the 'Gdansk was refloated and delivered her to her owners.

SMIT Towage & Salvage
Address
Waalhaven O.Z. 85, 3008 PB Rotterdam,
The Netherlands, 59052
Telephone : +31 10 454 99 11 (24/7)
Fax: +31 10 454 97 77
Website: www.smit.com