Salvage operation underway for sunken cargo ship in Port of Antwerp
The salvage of the cargo ship Sola Gratia, which sank in the Scheldt near the Royers Lock in Antwerp two weeks ago, began on Sunday afternoon. The vessel, carrying a load of sand, sank after reportedly colliding with mooring posts.
Dutch salvage company Multraship, based in Terneuzen, started preparations overnight by pulling the final cables beneath the ship. According to the company, the operation was timed to coincide with low tide and daylight conditions, allowing the vessel to be raised more safely despite the strong currents in the Scheldt.
Multraship described the operation as technically routine, though the current at the site could complicate the work. The company estimated the lifting process itself would take between two and three hours. Rain was not expected to affect the salvage.
The Sola Gratia sank on the morning of 18 April near the entrance to the Royers Lock, which is currently out of service. Emergency divers rescued two people from the water following the accident. Fuel leaking from the vessel was later cleaned up, while the owner and insurer announced plans to remove the ship within two weeks.
Earlier this week, the vessel’s cargo was removed ahead of the salvage operation. The sand was pumped back into the Scheldt, with Multraship stressing there was no risk of creating a sandbank because the quantity involved was too small.
Once the vessel has been brought back above water, salvage teams will pump out the holds before moving the ship to a secure location alongside the mooring posts. The final destination for the vessel has not yet been confirmed.
#FlandersNewsService | The salvage of the sunken Sola Gratia cargo ship © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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