| On December 15th, 2006 Ballard Diving & Salvage (BDS) responded to multiple vessel causalities at a marina in Tacoma, Washington. BDS mobilized a team of salvage technicians, their 45’ aluminum salvage/diving vessel, the “Salvager 1”, commercial diving equipment, environmental containment materials, high capacity pumps, rigging, 80 tons of salvage lift bags, a crane barge and other equipment and materials.
All efforts were coordinated with the United States Coast Guard, Washington State Department of Ecology and other local authorities.
Environmental Response
BDS managed the environmental issues through the installation of hard containment and absorbent boom, decommissioning of vessel fuel systems, debunkering onboard fuel and oil supplies and the deployment of absorbent sweep and pads. Diving operations were required to complete these tasks. BDS crews were kept on watch for the entire duration of the project and changed out absorbent materials as required.
Vessel Salvage
Five vessels were salvaged. This was accomplished by utilizing a combination of salvage lift bags and a barge mounted crane. M/V Patricia M. Crosby, M/V Elusive, M/V Sea Dancer, M/V Aramis and P/C Sea Haze were all salvaged, patched and secured in less than 24 hours.
Underwater Inspection and Repair
BDS conducted diving operations to remove broken floating debris and sunken debris from underneath the marinas docks and breakwater. Broken piles, debris from sunken vessels and other debris was recovered. BDS also assisted with the repositioning and temporary mooring of the existing marina breakwater.
Safety and Effectiveness
All salvage and diving activities were conducted in accordance with federal, state and local regulations and were 100% accident free. The environmental response was considered a complete success. |