New Zealand: FV SPARTA Receives Repairs to Its Damaged Shell Plating

The Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) reports that very good progress is being made with repairs to the damaged shell plating on FV SPARTA in the Southern Ocean.

Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator Mike Roberts says repairs are well in hand with good progress being made to repair the internal damage. A cement box will be secured to the inside of shell plating which will make the vessel seaworthy.

Mr Roberts said, “For safety reasons it is not possible to access the exterior damage in SPARTA’s current location. Since the bow was raised above water level a second hole has been discovered on SPARTA’s bulbous bow, but this has only caused localised flooding in a small, contained space in this area. It should not affect her making safe passage. This second hole can also not be repaired at her current location.”

Mike Roberts said, “A slight area of light sheen has been sighted in the area of the bulbous bow. It is not likely to be fuel and is thought to be a small escape of hydraulic oil. It is not continuously running out of the vessel. Korean Research vessel ARAON is expected to remain alongside SPARTA while repair work is made and then will escort her to an ice-free area of open ocean. Both vessels are expected to leave their current location at midnight (New Zealand time) on Wednesday 28 December. The weather in the area is calm, which has been a big plus for the repair operation.”

RCCNZ launched the rescue mission after the SPARTA issued a distress call around 3am on 16 December from a position next to the Antarctic ice shelf, in the Ross Sea, about 2000 nautical miles (3704 kilometres) south east of New Zealand.

[mappress]

Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, December 27, 2011; Image: sednaindustries