There is still no permission for MSC Flaminia to enter a sheltered area or a subsequent emergency port. Due to the inconsistent weather conditions salvage operations on board can not be conducted continuously at the moment. Furthermore, the ship is still listing by 2.5 degrees which may constitute a risk if the weather continues to worsen.
MSC Flaminia and its accompanying group of tugs have taken a position over 400 nautical miles west of the entrance of the English Channel to avoid bad weather and the expected swell. Since the coming days are projected to bring deteriorating weather conditions, the group has set a northwesterly course to an area where less swell is expected. Its speed is 4.5 knots. A significant impairment of the stability of MSC Flaminia due the expected wave height cannot be excluded and is observed apprehensively. Reederei NSB and the salvage company both remain in contact with all littoral states to acquire this permission.
Picture: MSC Flaminia in the morning of 13 August 2012. In this picture, the damage to cargo holds 4, 5 and 6 as well as to the hull of the ship is clearly visible. In addition, smoke emission is discernable in cargo hold 7 (source: Reederei NSB).
