- The conclusion of the rescue operation for the freighter Verity is imminent
The second half of the submerged cargo ship "Integrity" located in the German Bight, southwest of Helgoland, is set for salvage on Tuesday. As long as weather permits, the spokesperson for the Waterways and Shipping Directorate (WSV) in Bonn mentioned, they aim to lift the bow section tomorrow, subsequently completing the second lifting operation.
Previously, the aft part, or the rear section, had already been salvaged. Both wreck sections will then be towed to the Netherlands for proper disposal.
Currently, preparations are underway to salvage the 50-meter-long and 580-tonne bow section, also known as the bow section. Water from the side tanks is being drained through newly cut openings to decrease weight. Fuel and lubricants have already been removed.
There are still clean-up operations pending, requiring the removal of hatch covers and other debris on the seabed. European's strongest floating crane, the Hebo Lift 10, was employed for salvaging the divided wreck. Capable of lifting up to 2,200 tonnes.
Ongoing Search for Missing Crew Members
The search for the remaining three crew members remains an ongoing process within the bow section. A deceased sailor was discovered within a cabin during the salvage operation of the stern section, on Friday. The body was handed over to the Federal Police for examination in Hamburg and brought ashore.
Out of the "Verity"'s seven-member crew, two sailors managed to survive the ship colliding last October. Sadly, the captain was already recovered, deceased.
Authorities presume five fatalities
The British-flagged cargo ship "Verity" collided with the freighter "Polesie" in the German Bight on October 24, 2023. The incident site is approximately 22 kilometers southwest of Helgoland and 31 kilometers northeast of the East Frisian island of Langeoog.
After the collision, the 91-meter-long "Verity" sunk, resting at a depth of approximately 40 meters, posing a danger to shipping. The freighter "Polesie", with 22 individuals onboard, remained operational post-accident.
Despite the successful salvage of the bow section, the search for the remaining three crew members in the submerged cargo ship "Integrity" continues within its confines. Accidents during such operations are a constant concern, and every precaution is taken to ensure safety.
