Seikongen refloating hit by more delays
The refloating of the wellboat Seikongen, which sank in Chile last October, has again been delayed because of problems sealing the compartments that still contain decayed salmon.
The vessel, which was carrying out work for salmon farmer Camanchaca when it sank in front of the Pilpilihue beach in Chonchi, was due to be refloated last Sunday but the operation was postponed when the problems became clear, according to a report on Radio Biobío.
The maritime governor of Castro, Hector Aravena, confirmed that international salvage firm Ardent, which won the contract to raise the vessel, found faults in the sealing of the hold which forced the operation to be rescheduled.
A front of bad weather that could generate more problems is forecast.
Once the wellboat is refloated it will be towed to the port of Talcahuano, 800km to the north.
The 11 crew who were working on the Seikongen when it sank on October 18 were safely transferred to another vessel.
The vessel was carrying 200 tonnes of salmon.
The Seikongen’s owner, CPT Empresas, intends to repair the ship, which was almost new.
