Ria Formosa dredger capsized

[25931]

The 80m dredger that was clearing the channel (known by various names) to the west of Armona capsized just after 8am yesterday. It works 24 hours per day and the four man crew had just been replaced, the old crew going by water taxi when , fortunately, one looked back and seeing the capsize returned and saved the four who were in the water. It is reported that there is no danger of the 12,000l of fuel escaping. Ships are requested to stay away from the area and use the Faro/Olhão bar.

 

[25931]

They are still trying to right her, ironically they failed yesterday because of her bow being silted up - they are trying to remove the sand and increase the lifting bags.

 

[25931]

They are still trying to right her, ironically they failed yesterday because of her bow being silted up - they are trying to remove the sand and increase the lifting bags.

The re-floating attempt has been postponed for a week because of the adverse forecast.

 

[25931]

The re-floating attempt has been postponed for a week because of the adverse forecast.

They have managed to right her but still not floating - it now appears that they have leaking buoyancy tanks (makes one wonder if that was the cause of the capsize) and the nasty forecast has caused further postponement so the channel is even more dangerous than usual in severe conditions.

 

[25931]

I've just read that the dredger has disappeared -presumably covered with sand. Judging by the forecast we are in for a few more nasty days so it won't be a hazard to much shipping and what will happen after is anyone's guess.

 

[TOKOLOSHI]

https://algarvedailynews.com/news/13419-dredger-capsises-off-ria-formosa-island-of-armona
More here! Scroll down to see the rude inept comments from some, about Portugal!

 

[TOKOLOSHI]

https://www.sott.net/article/379205-Second-tornado-in-a-week-hits-Faro-Portugal-VIDEOS

The video shows the ferocity of the recent Storm ! Looks like the trees by "Jumbo"

 

[GrahamM376]

https://www.sott.net/article/379205-Second-tornado-in-a-week-hits-Faro-Portugal-VIDEOS

The video shows the ferocity of the recent Storm ! Looks like the trees by "Jumbo"

Yes, just across the road and damage to the car lots as well. Always impressed how the local Councils (Camaras) just get on and sort things with their own works depts. None of the UK attitude of having to waste time preparing BoQ and going out to tender because most of the Works Depts are understaffed and have to be competitive or they don't get the work.

 

[TOKOLOSHI]

How did Bruce`s yard fayre? Any damage to yachts but they are strapped down well! Then the few that are on moorings in the Pool? Must have been a tad scary!

 

[GrahamM376]

How did Bruce`s yard fayre? Any damage to yachts but they are strapped down well! Then the few that are on moorings in the Pool? Must have been a tad scary!

No damage in Bruce's, the 2 tornadoes missed by about 1/2 mile either side. The other thread has a barograph trace showing how pressure dropped. We launched Tuesday and all boats on moorings appeared OK.

 

[nortada]

No damage in Bruce's, the 2 tornadoes missed by about 1/2 mile either side. The other thread has a barograph trace showing how pressure dropped. We launched Tuesday and all boats on moorings appeared OK.

Good to hear, everything here out west OK.

 

[TOKOLOSHI]

No damage in Bruce's, the 2 tornadoes missed by about 1/2 mile either side. The other thread has a barograph trace showing how pressure dropped. We launched Tuesday and all boats on moorings appeared OK.

Thanks passed that on to friend who has a mooring out there!

 

[GrahamM376]

Thanks passed that on to friend who has a mooring out there!

Just to clarify - You asked about "the Pool" off Faro. Those moorings are OK but, many of the small boat moorings near to the long jetty have dragged and quite a few open boats inverted/sunk/damaged.

 

[nortada]

Just to clarify - You asked about "the Pool" off Faro. Those moorings are OK but, many of the small boat moorings near to the long jetty have dragged and quite a few open boats inverted/sunk/damaged.

Don’t suppose there is any automatic information service for absent owners of the small moored/invented/sunk/damaged craft?

A few local area pictures could put many folks minds at rest and confirm the worst to others.j

 

[GHA]

Don’t suppose there is any automatic information service for absent owners of the small moored/invented/sunk/damaged craft?

Not really much of a chance of that down here...

A few of the little ones that didn't make it -

This one from last weekend =

 

[GrahamM376]

Don’t suppose there is any automatic information service for absent owners of the small moored/invented/sunk/damaged craft?

All Portuguese boats are registered so no doubt the PM will advise owners. If they're members of Ginasio Clube Nautico, they can be contacted if someone reports a problem.

 

[25931]

It appears that the dredger has been so badly damaged by the rough conditions that it is a write off. The owners are required to say how they intend to remove this hazard to shipping and to do so asap.