Ardnamurchan dredger slvage

[Fascadale]

You may recall the sinking of a clam dredger off the north coast of Ardnamurchan earlier this year. Three of the crew lost their lives. It was discussed in this thread.

Unfortunately and despite the loss of three lives the thread descended into a "lifejackets, yes you should, no I shouldn't" debate.

The wreck has now been successfully lifted after two attempts.

Initially the wreck was towed in towards the north coast of the peninsular by two trawlers who left her in the shallow waters of a bay known locally as the Camus, between Kilmory Bay and Ockle Point. Her masts were visible at low water.

The first attempt to lift her was made by this crane barge with the help of air bags.

This attempt was unsuccessful and the wreck was left still showing above the water.

A second crane barge turned up and successfully lifted the dredger

 

[NormanS]

Yes sad story. You've taken a very good series of Photos. I saw the second crane barge, the Mersea Mammoth, off Ardnamurchan, ten days ago, and wondered if that was what it was going to do.

 

[bikedaft]

sobering.

thanks for the pics

 

[[32511]]

A sad story- the Aquila had been into Tobermory harbour a few times, and looked familiar. I too saw the Mersey Mammoth going up the Sound of Mull last week, and wandered where she was going. What is interesting is that she did not heel when lifting- how is this done? It might be water ballast, but it could also be that the whole crane tracks backwards as the load is taken up. Anyone know?