TSAVLIRIS SALVAGE GROUP - News & Announcements
Chemical /Products Tanker "ELKA GLORY" - 2016 Nov 01
On 28 September 2016, the salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" (BHP 9,600 –TBP 121) was dispatched from her permanent salvage station at Ponta Delgada, Azores, to the assistance of the Chemical/Products Tanker "ELKA GLORY" (GT 27,612 – DWT 44,598), fully laden with 42,000 MT of ultra-low sulfur diesel, immobilised about 1,000 miles west of Ponta Delgada due to stern tube leakage.
On 1 October the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" arrived at the casualty's position and commenced escorting towards the discharging port Pembroke, UK. Subsequently, stern tube leakage deteriorated and the ship's master requested towage connection.
However, due to prevailing adverse weather conditions (wind WNW 7B and heavy swell) the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" stood by the casualty awaiting weather improvement.
On 2 October, both wind and swell abated, tow connection was established and towage to Pembroke commenced at an average speed of 5 knots.
On 5 October, due to severe weather conditions (wind S 8-9B), the tug master altered course and reduced speed to avoid damages to tug and tow. During the evening weather conditions improved, the speed was increased up to 5,5 knots and the course was adjusted towards Pembroke.
On 7 October, following owners' instructions, the tug master altered course to a new destination, Gibraltar, for STS operation. Towage to Gibraltar continued at an average speed of 6 knots in favorable weather conditions. On 16 October the convoy arrived safely at Gibraltar eastern anchorage and the "ELKA GLORY" anchored with the assistance of two port tugs. The "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" disconnected her towline and remained at anchor nearby the casualty providing standby services. On 23 October the "ELKA GLORY" was towed by the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" to inner Gibraltar anchorage "N1" and anchored with the assistance of two port tugs. On 17 October cargo STS operation commenced and the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" berthed alongside the "ELKA GLORY" to provide standby and safety services. The STS operation was completed on 25 October and the "ELKA GLORY" was towed by the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" to Setubal for dry docking. The convoy arrived safely at her destination on 29 October, the "ELKA GLORY" was delivered to port tugs for shifting to dry dock and the "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" was released.