- Drowned freighter Verity fragments on the ocean floor.
The freighter "Verity," which met its demise in the North Sea near Heligoland after clashing with another vessel, was successfully sawed through by using chains. This operation was performed barely skimming the ocean floor, and it lasted for a staggering nine hours, as per the reports from the Bonn-based Waterways and Shipping Directorate. The next phase involves lifting both halves of the wreck out of the water, with predictions suggesting this should be completed by the end of August.
Setting the Stage
Initially, a stationary barge was fixed directly above the wreck. Prior to the cutting, the submerged ship was maneuvered to ensure the installation of lifting chains and a cutting chain below. By Sunday, the "Verity" was sliced apart by repetitive sawing motions, approximately 4 meters above the ocean floor.
October's Tragedy – Fears of Five Lives Lost
In October 2023, the "Verity" and the freighter "Polesie" collided southwest of Heligoland. The 91-meter-long "Verity," sailing under the British flag, sank, leaving experts believing that five lives may have been lost in this unfortunate incident. The captain was found deceased, while four sailors are still reported missing. However, two sailors miraculously managed to escape.
Since the wreck is located in the German Bight, it poses a serious threat to navigation.
Recovery Efforts and Future Prospectives
During the salvage operation, a considerable portion of the 187 steel coil rolls that the freighter was carrying at the time of the accident have been retrieved. Earlier, hazardous substances were already removed from the ship's tanks that rest at a depth of approximately 37 meters.
The plan ahead is contingent on the weather
Upon stabilization of the weather conditions, a powerful crane will be transported to the affected area and utilized to lift both halves of the wreck out of the water. The "Verity" remains, in theory, destined for the Netherlands for appropriate disposal.
The divers working on the salvage operation were based in Bonn, coordinating their efforts from there. After the successful cutting of the freighter "Verity," the next step will involve transporting the operation to Bonn's nearby ports for further dismantling.
