TSAVLIRIS SALVAGE GROUP are engaged in two salvage operations under LOF 2011 contracts, following groundings off Greek islands. On the 8th November, fully cellular containership "CAFER DEDE" (GRT 21,092, DWT 26,700) ran aground on hard rocks South-East of Syros Island, while on passage to Italy from Turkey. Tsavliris dispatched own salvage tug "MEGAS ALEXANDROS", and diving support antipollution tug "ARMADORES I", to her immediate assistance. Following the mobilization of the salvage team, oil booms were deployed around the vessel to contain any possible pollution, and an underwater inspection was carried out to ascertain bottom damage.

The following vessels were mobilized for this salvage operation: crane barge "IGNATIOS III", tug "MICHALIS S", lightering vessel M/V "KNIDOS", lightering vessel M/V "TIGER SEA", and bunker barge "SEKAVIN".

Following the approval of the salvage plan from local authorities, the known cracks temporary repairs were completed, fuel and pollutants were removed without incident and containers were transferred to M/V "KNIDOS" and M/V "TIGER SEA". After completion of the lightering operation, "MEGAS ALEXANDROS" connected to the stern of the casualty and successfully refloated her on Tuesday 22nd November.

TSAVLIRIS signed their second LOF of November, on the 18th, following the grounding of General Cargo ship "FGM COMMANDER" (GRT 6,819, DWT 8,978) on a reef South-West of Hydra. Salvage tug "ALEXANDER 3", anti-pollution vessel "AEGIS", lightering vessel M/V "JOANNA VI" and Tsavliris tug "HERMES" were mobilized. Cargo was transferred to lightering vessel "JOANNA VI". Tsavliris tug "HERMES" connected to the stern of the casualty and successfully refloated her on Wednesday 23rd November. The casualty proceeded to a nearby anchorage for an underwater inspection. Both salvage operations are still in progress.