Hello Alan.
Latest report (per 20.03.07)
Naval Architects were onboard the vessel yesterday. The Architects have been looking at the structure of the vessel to decide how best to remove it. They advise that it may be possible to re-float the vessel to tow it away, after all the internal cargo has been removed. Although weather dependent, the salvage crew are working towards a deadline of having removed the internal cargo by the end of October.
Skimming of oil from the surface of the water in the engine room and Number 6 Hold is continuing
The crane barge Big Foot is continuing to remove containers from below the vessel's deck. Good progress was made over the weekend and yesterday, with almost 60, 20 and 40 foot containers removed.
The MSC Grace, the vessel that is transferring processed containers from Portland Port to Le Havre, is due to arrive back at Portland at the end of this week.
The National Trust reopened the western end of Branscombe beach last Friday. The event went well and was well attended.
The Contractors have removed the previous stockpile of waste from the compound at Branscombe. They are continuing to sweep for debris washing ashore with the tide, and will dispose of the submerged containers when located and brought ashore.