Transnet is set to retrieve hundreds of thousands of rand in overdue port charges after winning a Cape High Court order to auction off a number of vessels, one a submarine in fine working fettle. With a diving limit of 500 metres, the Taurus is not exactly the kind of thing for exploring deep-down Titanic but has successfully been used for scientific research and educational diving programmes in Loch Ness, Scotland, as well as in a research programme off Jamaica. The auction date is set for September 16. The submarine was arrested as an associated vessel of the Golden Firefly – a former Royal Navy minesweeper latterly used for surveying and the like – in that they were owned by the same entity, hence the plan to auction them together. That is not to be, however, says Ariella Kuper, director of new business development at Auction Alliance, given that a twoparty spat has developed over ownership of Taurus. In terms of the court order, a reserve was placed on Taurus which Kuper is not inclined to disclose, save to say the vessel is estimated to be worth around R4 million and that between R1.5 million and R2 million is anticipated when the auction eventually proceeds. Between them, Golden Firefly and Taurus owe Transnet more than R758 000 in mooring fees, over and above substantial legal bills incurred over a lengthy period. The wooden-hull Golden Firefly, at one time estimated to be worth some R5 million, has subsequently been flooded and was sold for scrap, together with several other vessels at the Cape Town offices of Webber Wentzel last month. Interest in Taurus has been surprising, most of it local. “I could hardly believe it,” says Kuper. The 22-ton minisubmarine is capable of a maximum speed of three knots and comes with a lower command chamber and four tower view points. An inspection certificate from surveying firm, Paul Coxon Associates says Taurus is suitable for scientific research, underwater tourism, search and salvage and a range of military tasks. A multi-purpose submersible, she was designed for atmosphere diving operations with diver lock-out, dry transfer and submarine rescue.
