Maidens tug and barge?

[Fergal Clohessy]

Good Afternoon everyone,
can anyone shed some light on this photo as to what cargo is being towed?
http://www.cruising.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263:ghost-ship-outside-the-maidens&catid=5:cruisereports&Itemid=51
regards, Fergal

[Robert J Smith]

It may be a silly question but where are the "Maidens"?

Is there any history available on AIS

Regards

Bob

[henrycourt]

Google suggests the Maidens is an area somewhere off of LARNE , Northern Ireland.  Does it help

[Robert J Smith]

Thanks Henrycourt

If the actual date & time was known then by adding that to the website below the tugs identity may be found

http://www.aisliverpool.org.uk/historymap.php?map=Belfast-Stranraer&date=20100715

Bob

[Fergal Clohessy]

Hi Bob and Henrycourt.thanks for your feedback. The Maidens is in Ayrshire in Scotland. I am trying to get the date of the photo, maybe that will help, is AIS history available in that area?

[Fergal Clohessy]

My Apologies, the Maidens is NOT in Scotland, I misunderstood.
The Maidens are a cluster of rocks which are situated about 5 miles NE of Larne at approx 54:56N, 5:44W.
The photo was taken at 12:40 on the 19th July 2010.
Regardless of when photo was taken and whether there is AIS history available ( I believe there isn't), surely someone must have an idea of what the cargo is?

http://cruising.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263:ghost-ship-outside-the-maidens&catid=5:cruisereports&Itemid=51

Regards,
Fergal

[henrycourt]

The AIS I've just seen shows a tug CENTAURUS IMO: 9433755 passing the Maidens at 1350hrs 19.7.10 bound for Barrow travelling at 7.7k and showing restricted manoeuvre which might mean it was towing. Does this help ??

[Fergal Clohessy]

sounds about right John, and looking at the photo and a photo of the Centaurus they certainly have the same outline. this photo of the centaurus shows a port crane in the background which is similar to whats being towed..
http://www.shipspotting.com/modules/myalbum/photo-1031802-CENTAURUS
what do you think?
thanks a million for your input

[Robert J Smith]

AIS history here

http://www.aisliverpool.org.uk/historymap.php?map=Belfast-Stranraer&hh=13&mm=20&date=20100719

Bob

[Fergal Clohessy]

it was indeed the Centaurus, she was towing steel foundations for windmills:
http://cruising.ie/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=263:ghost-ship-outside-the-maidens&catid=5:cruisereports&Itemid=51

thanks again to all who helped

[henrycourt]

Glad you got there in the end.   Always pleased to help if possible !! regards.