Following the recent collision with the tanker "TORM GERTRUD" off Gibraltar, the bulk carrier "NEW FLAME", 43,815 tons dwt laden with approximately 42,000 tons scrap, was abandoned in sinking condition and stranded by way of her bow, with cargo holds No.1 & No.2 flooded. TSAVLIRIS was promptly engaged to avert pollution and to salvage ship and cargo and the salvage tug "FOTIY KRYLOV" was mobilized from the North Sea.

A salvage team headed by Salvage Master Capt. Barend Visser was flown to Gibraltar and substantial portable salvage and anti-pollution equipment was dispatched from TSAVLIRIS Piraeus Salvage Depot. The salvage tug "HUA AN" was hired-in for any prompt assistance required. In conjunction with the Gibraltar authorities, immediate diving surveys and studies were undertaken, and the removal of the ship's bunkers by pumping into barges was made the priority of the operation.

TSAVLIRIS, apart from the "FOTIY KRYLOV" dispatched another of its salvage tugs, "MEGAS ALEXANDROS", from Piraeus, carrying additional equipment including an underwater magnet. Due to better weather conditions, the extraction of fuel was resumed on August 28th in order to avert pollution and to reduce the load of fuel onboard the vessel. The TSAVLIRIS Salvage Team on board the m.v. "NEW FLAME" has completed the removal of oils from the vessel on Wednesday September 12th. Significant quantities of oils, all engine room tanks, service – settling and lubricant oil and diesel storage tanks were emptied, stripped and sealed with expanding foam. Oils removed from the "NEW FLAME" were transported and delivered at the Shore Reception Facility at Gibraltar Port.

The TSAVLIRIS Salvage team continues to prepare "NEW FLAME" for refloating.