Americas News
Canada Assessing Debunkering Possibilities for 1985 Wreck, Manolis L
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has announced that the Canadian Coast Guard has awarded a contract to assess the best next steps in dealing with the 462 tonnes of HFO and 60 tonnes of diesel onboard the Manolis L, which sunk in Notre Dame Bay, Newfoundland in January 1985.
"This technical assessment will provide detailed information on the wreck’s exact location and orientation and the condition of its hull. It will also identify the location and amount of contaminants that may be contained within the wreck," explained Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
"This is critical information for contractors to propose solutions for the wreck.
The Liberian-flagged MV Manolis L is said to be laying in about 82 metres of water.
The Canadian Coast Guard, which has been monitoring the vessel, says it conducted a survey in May to examine the ship's hull and the integrity of the containment devices, and removed oil collected in a cofferdam that was initially installed in October 2015.
The survey is said to have uncovered a new but "very small" leak, which the coast guard covered with a neoprene seal.
"The cofferdam and Coast Guard’s ongoing response for the Manolis L continue to be effective. Our response involves comprehensive monitoring and maintenance including regular site visits, aerial surveillance flights and planned cofferdam operations to remove any collected oil," said the organisation.
As Ship & Bunker reported in May 2013, the Canadian Coast Guard stopped an oil leak on the sunken vessel using a weighted neoprene gasket to seal cracks in the hull of the vessel, along with a one tonne sub sea bulkbag to hold the gasket in place.
