TSAVLIRIS SALVAGE GROUP - News & Announcements

Motor Vessel "MARGIT GORTHON" - 2010 Mar 17

On the 22nd February 2010, we dispatched our salvage tug "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" from her Ponta Delgada (Azores Islands) salvage station, to the assistance of the pallet carrier/side loader cargo vessel Motor Vessel "MARGIT GORTHON" (GT 12,750, DWT 14,240) laden with about 10,000 metric tonnes of wood pulp / brown "KRAFT", immobilized about 900 nautical miles North West of Azores, due to ingress of water in engine room, resulting in black out.

During the voyage from Ponta Delgada to the casualty's position "TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" encountered adverse weather conditions with gale force winds, high seas and heavy swell of up to 6 metres.


"TSAVLIRIS HELLAS" arrived at the scene of the casualty on the 28th February 2010. Emergency towing lights were installed on board and the vessel was supplied with provisions. On the same day the towage began towards El Ferrol, North West Spain. From the 2nd until the 6th March, the convoy encountered gale force winds, very high seas and heavy swells, resulting in heavy rolling and pitching of the tug and tow. On the morning of 8th March, the steel wire pennant parted, and attempts to reconnect commenced immediately. However, due to prevailing long swells, attempts were aborted. On the 9th March, swell eased and tow connection was re-established.

Towage to El-Ferrol resumed and the convoy arrived safely on the 17th March. All necessary arrangements were made by the salvors, for the casualty to proceed, with the assistance of port tug, to Navantia repair yard for repairs. The same day, our dispatched salvage team commenced the dewatering of the engine room and the pollutants were transferred into MARPOL trucks for disposal. The dewatering was completed on the morning of the 17th March, and the vessel was safely delivered to owners.