‘Smart’ salvage operations under way

Salvage operations for the coal carrying ship MV Smart that ran aground at the Port of Richards Bay began yesterday.
Captain Vernal Jones, harbour master for the Port of Richards Bay said the majority of the salvage support vessels had arrived and the immediate intention was to rid the vessel of all fuel and pollutants that were of an environmental concern.
On shore the salvage team has prepared deep sea floats which are ready to use when required.
The Samsa and Subtech damage assessment team confirmed that the MV Smart had broken apart between hatches six and seven. Its fuel is safely contained and there is no immediate threat of leaking. Its machinery, pumps and tanks in the engine room are all in tack and there is no visible sign of water leaking.
A sounding vessel is conducting a biometric survey of the area around the vessel to determine whether any reefs exist.
The anchor handling tug, Fairmont Glacier, left Cape Town on Tuesday and is expected to arrive on Saturday August 24.