Inland Salvage to Remove Capsized Barge
Inland Salvage Inc. (ISI) was recently selected as Salvor to conduct Wreck Removal Operations of a 2,650t Inland Drill Barge following an unsuccessful attempt by another contractor to salvage the barge.
The barge partially capsized in Bayou Shaffer, near Morgan City, LA on September 4th, 2011. ISI provided initial emergency response, dive and lightering services after the barge capsized due to Tropical Storm Lee's storm surge. Inland Salvage Inc. was notified by the vessel's assured and underwriters that ISI had been appointed as the salvor. ISI immediately responded, deploying highly experienced salvage and dive teams consisting of Salvage Masters and Divers who have conducted similar operations on capsized inland drill barges. Following extensive dive surveys, ISI's C.O.O., Mr. David Grecho, assembled ISI's Salvage Management Team, drawing from each member's particular field of expertise, to develop a Salvage Plan approved by Inland Salvage C.E.O., Mr. Eli Zatezalo.
The salvage officers met with the Command Staff at the USCG Marine Safety Unit / Morgan City in order to coordinate and clear procedures for ISI wreck removal operations. Work commenced January 17th with the arrival of ISI's salvage fleet of 2 Heavy Lift A-Frames, Crane Barge, Tug Boats, Receiver Barges and Crew support vessels. Wreck Removal operations are currently underway and on schedule per ISI's Wreck Removal Plan approved by the USCG. Divers were separating the superstructure from the barge hull by burning all supporting beams and trunks at the deck level in Zero visibility conditions. ISI's plan calls for the separation of the superstructure, floatation and par-buckling of the main barge, chain cutting the superstructure into four separate pieces with final retrieval via Heavy Lift operations.
In accordance with ISI's high standard for safety, Daily Safety and Job Task meetings are conducted to ensure all ISI salvage personnel as well as the USCG are aware and prepared for each day's operations. The resources of all ISI team members are focused towards one common goal – a well-planned and safely executed wreck removal operation.
