The emptying of the hydraulic oil and diesel tanks of the cranes that sunk in the port of Rostock on 31 January was completed on Friday 8 February, reports the Rostock Port Authority. The cranes fell into the water after being loaded on board heavy lift vessel Jumbo Vision.

So far, neither the Port Authority nor Jumbo Maritime can say anything about what caused the two cranes to fall from the ship. Jumbo has dispatched a team to Rostock and the investigation is ongoing.

Environmental spillage

Jumbo Maritime has stressed the environmental spillage was caused by leakage from the cranes alone. Some media reported the Jumbo Vision also suffered a breach, but this was not the case according to Jumbo’s spokesman. After divers completed emptying the tanks of the cranes, the oil barrier was repositioned around the affected area on Saturday 9 February to clean up any further contaminants.

Salvage operation

The Rostock Port Authority is currently deliberating how to salvage the two cranes. In this process, three possible salvage scenarios are being considered. When asked, the Port Authority chose not to elaborate on these scenarios. It is expected a salvage plan will be decided on in the coming days.

Picture by Rostock Port GmbH.

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