Bisso Completes Salvage Operations On Offshore Tug Mac Tide 63

Bisso Marine Company, Inc. completed salvage operations on the 7,000-hp offshore tug Mac Tide 63. The tug sank in 60 ft. (18.2 m) of water, 30- mi. off the Louisiana coast in South Timbalier Block 96 after striking a submerged object. A 150-ft. (4.5-m) breach in the engine room was the cause of the sinking. The vessel, lying on her starboard side, became embedded 15-ft. into the natural bottom.

Underwater repairs were made using wet welding techniques and the vessel was pre-rigged for lifting. Diving services and a liftboat were provided by Subsea International of Belle Chasse, La. Bisso Marine's 700-ton derrick barge Cappy Bisso and 600-ton derrick barge Lili Bisso arrived on the scene, anchored into lifting position and brought the vessel to the surface in two hours. Mac Tide 63 was towed into Fourchon, La., where the 80,000 gallons of diesel fuel that remained aboard the vessel during the salvage were discharge without incident. The floating vessel was then released to its owners, Tidewater Marine, Inc.

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