Experts have been asked to examine the MV Alta ghost ship, which remains stuck fast on the Cork coast, for any potential risks to the environment. The results of the study will determine the future of the wreck which was washed ashore near Ballycotton six months ago, Cork County Council said. The 80m freighter was washed onto rocks about three miles west of Ballycotton on February 15 last as Storm Dennis battered the country. The 44-year old cargo vessel had been abandoned by her 10-strong crew during a storm near Bermuda some 16 months earlier, and after their rescue by the US coast guard, the ship was left adrift in the Atlantic. It remained lost at sea until it was spotted last September by the Royal Navy in the mid-Atlantic before it was driven by Storm Dennis onto the Cork coast last February. Within days, Cork County Council oversaw a major clean-up which involved a helicopter air-lift to remove almost 80 barrels of oil and potential pollutants from the ship. The wreck attracted a steady stream of sightseers to the area’s cliff walk. But despite efforts to secure the vessel, people have been able to board it from the shore at low-tide – some are boarding for a dare and posting images online, while others are in search of scrap metal.
The authorities have issued several warnings about the dangers of such activity. Local marine leisure firm, Ballycotton Sea Adventures, said last week that it has seen huge demand for its new sight-seeing trips to the wreck along the coast onboard its catamaran. Skipper Alan Cott said he felt it was better to view it from the safety of their catamaran than to have large crowds traipsing along the cliff walk. In a statement, Cork County Council said while it is satisfied that any pollutants stored on the vessel have been removed, it is taking more steps to deal with the wreck. “We have engaged ecological and environmental consultants to assess whether there are any further risks posed by the vessel in its current state,” a spokesman said. “This work was delayed by the pandemic restrictions but has recently resumed. “The council also plans to carry out an assessment of the materials in the structure of the vessel itself to establish whether there are elements which could be considered harmful. “The results of these studies will inform a decision on what actions, if any, may be required of the owners, their insurers or any responsible body.” A salvage operation could cost anything from €5m to €10m, experts have suggested. It is understood that the owner of the vessel has come forward and identified himself to the Receiver of Wrecks and that he and the vessel’s insurers will be
informed of the outcome of the various reports. (Source: Irish Examiner; Photo: C. Noonan)
Source : http://www.towingline.com
If you like to receive the free digital Tugs Towing & Offshore Newsletter in your mailbox. subscribe via the website or a mail to jvds@towingline”.
Read more : The German propulsion expert SCHOTTEL
