Bulk Carrier "LIGARI" 2014

On the 11th January 2014, Panamax bulk carrier "LIGARI" (38,800 GRT, 75,500 DWT), laden with 66,000MT of corn was involved in a collision with product tanker DL SUNFLOWER (28,500 GRT, 47,000 DWT), in Korea Straight, South of Busan. The vessel sustained hull damages to cargo hold no 7 breaching one of the fuel tanks, as well as the accommodation block starboard side, resulting in ingress of water in the engine room.

TSAVLIRIS dispatched tug boats ''BAKYUNG No.1'' and ''KUMGANG No.3'' (46 and 35 TBP respectively) and mobilised a salvage master and salvage engineer to the casualty. Local divers, salvage/antipollution equipment and additional personnel were arranged through sub-contractors Messrs. Korea Salvage. The casualty was towed to Busan port anchorage where floating oil booms were deployed around the casualty. Following under water inspection by team of divers, a crack was found by way of starboard side of the engine room. Temporary patching / sealing commenced by using wooden wedges and blankets to reduce water ingress.

On the 12th January, a team of divers commenced underwater temporary repairs. Tug Boat "DONG BANG 5" (190 GRT, 54 DWT) remained on site standby as per Harbour Master's orders. TSAVLIRIS' salvage team organised and supervised the entire operation including: underwater temporary repairs, cleaning of F.O.T tanks, temporary repairs of damaged area, removal of slops and oil spill response duties.

On the 18th January, Class Surveyor inspected the progress of the repairs and found same to be satisfactory. Due to forthcoming towage to discharging port, the ship's tail shaft was secured by the salvage team and submersible pumps were installed with a diesel generator in engine room.

On the 22nd January, the S/T "TERASEA EAGLE" (16500 BHP, 203 TBP) arrived at Pusan for the towage of the vessel to discharging port in China. All towing connections (main and emergency) were completed and tug remained alongside.

On the 23rd January, all repairs were successfully completed and approved by Class Surveyor. Vessel's departure was delayed due to incident investigation by the Coast Guard and consequent issuance of port clearance.

On the 27th January, port clearance was issued, salvage services were ended and convoy sailed to Longkou, China and arrived 1st February 2014. This was a successful salvage operation accomplished expeditiously without any pollution occurring.