Swedish Coast Guard says refloating of K Line car carrier will take days
The Swedish Coast Guard is conducting a full inspection on the K Line car carrier Makassar Highway, which ran aground in the south of Sweden on Monday, before making plans to refloat the vessel.
According to an update provided by the Swedish Coast Guard, the ship is now still stranded near Loftahammar and damage has been discovered on the ship’s bow and propeller room.
“No oil is leaking out at the moment and we have laid out lanes around the ship to prevent oil from spreading in case there will be an oil leak. During the day, we have started the survey underwater to get a better idea of the damages. This work will continue during the evening. Tomorrow we will be able to present a better picture of the damage situation,” said Roger Gebauer from the Swedish Coast Guard.
K Line’s insurance company is conducting a technical underwater survey today with a salvage team likely to be appointed soon.
The Swedish Coast Guard believes it will take days to refloat the vessel and upcoming weather conditions will be favourable for the salvage work.
“Considering the ship’s location, cargo and damage, salvage work may take time. We have deployed nearby ships from the Coast Guard to create strength and increase readiness for the forthcoming salvage work,” Gebauer added.