Rough weather rips ship from mooring

THE possibility of salvaging a fishing vessel that ran aground just south of Swakopmund this week was still uncertain yesterday afternoon.

The strong south-westerly wind experienced at the coast over the last few weeks caused Novanam Fishing Company’s vessel Kolmanskop to break from its moorings at the Walvis Bay harbour on Tuesday night, despite the vessel being anchored and chained to concrete blocks. There was no crew on board.The Kolmanskop was swept northwards and got stranded in the rocky terrain at Vierkantklip, only about 50 metres from dry land.It could not be established whether the ship was resting on the seabed or stuck between rocks.There was, however, no sign of leaking fuel.The company responsible for salvaging the Kolmanskop, Namib Marine Services, and divers from Walvis Bay Diving and Launch Services were at the scene early yesterday morning to assess the situation.According to Namib Marine Services Managing Director Willie Prosser, any possible progress was foiled by rough seas and strong wind.He declined further comment.According to a source in the shipping industry, the load of the vessel would have to be reduced by removing equipment and emptying fuel tanks before an attempt can be made to lift the ship off the rocks and tow it back to deeper waters when the tide allows.He estimated that the salvage process could take up to a few weeks, depending on the weather and the availability of the necessary equipment.Novanam management could not be reached for comment.There was no crew on board.The Kolmanskop was swept northwards and got stranded in the rocky terrain at Vierkantklip, only about 50 metres from dry land. It could not be established whether the ship was resting on the seabed or stuck between rocks.There was, however, no sign of leaking fuel.The company responsible for salvaging the Kolmanskop, Namib Marine Services, and divers from Walvis Bay Diving and Launch Services were at the scene early yesterday morning to assess the situation.According to Namib Marine Services Managing Director Willie Prosser, any possible progress was foiled by rough seas and strong wind.He declined further comment.According to a source in the shipping industry, the load of the vessel would have to be reduced by removing equipment and emptying fuel tanks before an attempt can be made to lift the ship off the rocks and tow it back to deeper waters when the tide allows.He estimated that the salvage process could take up to a few weeks, depending on the weather and the availability of the necessary equipment.Novanam management could not be reached for comment.