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The salvage operation to recover the Aframax tanker Caroline Bezengi (IMO 9224439) and its remaining cargo appears to have achieved its first major success. Even the slight traces of oil that were leaking from the wreck last week appear to have disappeared, on the basis of analysis of satellite imagery covering the scene on October 26.
The Cameroon-flagged Caroline Bezengi remains firmly stuck on the rocks off the southwest tip of Jazirat Al Qibliyyah, having been hit while off the coast of Yemen on June 8 by what is believed to have been a limpet mine attack. The tanker is sanctioned by the EU, the UK, and the US (OFAC), and has had a past association with Russian state shipowner Sovcomflot.The Caroline Bezengi off Jazirat Al Qibliyyah on October 26 (Sentinel-2c)
The Russian permanent representative to the IMO in London has said that it is “pointless” to speculate on the categorization of the Caroline Bezengi as a Russian dark fleet vessel, referencing the registration details of the vessel, which indicate that it has all the hallmarks of a Russian dark fleet vessel.Neither Ambrey, coordinating the salvage operation, nor the Omani Ministry of Transport, Communications and IT, have issued an update on the salvage operation. Wind and sea state are now perfect for salvage operations: seas are light, with a wind speed of 2.34m/s blowing to the northwest, and with a moderate swell, and the prevailing conditions look set for the next week. The oil leakage is likely to have been brought under control by pumping oil out of leaking tanks into those on board that are still intact. Oil pumps were pictured last month being helicoptered onto the deck of the stricken tanker by the Royal Air Force of Oman.
RAFO NH90 winching pumps onto the raised deck at the stern of the Caroline Bezengi
FULL ARTICLE AVAILABLE HERE: maritime-executive.com
