The Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) is working on salvaging Eemslift Hendrika, they say there is still a risk that the ship may capsize and pose an environmental hazard.
According to the NCA, the ship is still drifting, and is located 40-50 nautical miles west of Ålesund. “KV Sortland is still on site, and they are the Coastal Administration’s eyes and ears. There is 15-18 metres of sea, and 18-20 m / s wind from the north. This makes it impossible for the Coast Guard to do anything other than observe.”
The boat that was placed in the middle of the deck has broken loose, and is a few nautical miles from the cargo ship. This is believed to have had a positive effect on the stability of the Eemslift Hendrika, and may help to avoid capsizing.
The Boskalis-owned salvage company, Smit Salvage has been appointed by owner Amasus Shipping to rescue the vessel. “The men will board and stabilise the ship first. Then a tugboat will tow the Eemslift Hendrika to safe water,” Boskalis Chief Executive Peter Berdowski told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration is in close contact with the shipping company in the Netherlands, and has regular meetings with them. NCA has assisted in finding resources in Norway, and the shipping company has engaged two tugboats, which departed from Bergen and Kristiansund last night and arrived early this morning (Wednesday). If weather and wind allow it, personnel will be transported onboard the Eemslift Hendrika to have a tow attached. The ship is then scheduled to be towed ashore.
