Cable barge AMT Explorer sank on Thursday, July 3 around 50 miles southwest of Sardinia while carrying Prysmian’s power cables to the North Sea.
The barge, owned by Augustea Anchor Marine Transportation, was under tow by Red Husky from Naples to Bremerhaven when it lost stability and flipped over, however all crew members managed to abandon the vessel and are safe.
The sinking will incur a loss worth USD $38 million, according to initial estimates.
As explained by Prysmian, the cables were intended for connection of Butendiek and Deutsche Bucht wind farms located offshore Germany’s coast.
Smit Salvage has been hired for the vessel’s salvage.
The cause of the accident has not been revealed.
World Maritime News Staff