The Captain of the Port of Gibraltar has confirmed that the operation to lift the bow of the OS 35 commenced on 27 June. The OS 35 has been sitting off the coast of Gibraltar, partially submerged and broken in two, since August last year after being involved in a collision.
The lifting of the bow was commenced following the deployment of preventive booms a day earlier. The delicate operation is enabled by the current window of good weather that allows it to take place safely.
Lifting of the bow section could only begin after the stern section had been stabilised. This was achieved on 15 June, when the stern section of the vessel was lifted further out of the water. Work was then carried out to stabilise the stern section.
Also read: Gibraltar Port Authority reveals OS 35 wreck removal plan
OS 35 sinking
On 29 August 2022, the OS 35 collided with LNG tanker Adam LNG in the Port of Gibraltar. Although the tanker only suffered minor damage, the bulk carrier suffered a ten by four-metre gash in the starboard side of the hull and was making water. It was directed to a location off Catalan Bay to beach and the bow went underwater.
Two days later, the hull broke, but the two parts did not fully separate yet, this happened later, in April, when the wreck was battered by severe weather.
The vessel is sitting 700 metres off the shoreline of Catalan Bay. Since its grounding, salvors have removed as much fuel oil and diesel oil from the vessel as possible as well as the rest of the inventory and cargo. The accident has resulted in several oil spills, with some oil reaching the shorelines.
Picture by the Gibraltar Port Authority.
Also read: OS 35 wreck splits in two after bad weather
