The Russian fishing vessel Sparta, which was holed by ice below the waterline in the Ross Sea off Antarctica on December 16th and has been trapped in the ice for over ten days, is now undergoing temporary repairs. On Monday, the Korean icebreaker Araon arrived and began transferring fuel to the stricken fishing vessel in order to increase the trim by the stern to allow the damaged area on the bow to be above the waterline. The crews of both ships are now attempting to weld doubler plates on the inside and outside of the ship in way the damaged hull plates. Once the doublers are welded, the Araon will attempt to escort the Sparta back through the ice to open water. Thanks to Phil Leon for pointing out the video.
Old Salt Blog
a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea , hosted by nautical novelist Rick Spilman
It’s great that the Korean ice-breaker was able to reach the Sparta, help repair the hole and escort it to more open water. But rust buckets like this have no business fishing in Antarctica. It is a travesty that the International Maritime Organization has not created proper rules for fishing vessels operating in polar environments. ASOC submits thtat no fishing should be allowed in the Ross Sea, which should be fully protected as a no-take marine reserve.
Pingback: The Treacherous Antarctic Fisheries – Sinking, Flooding and Fire | Old Salt Blog – a virtual port of call for all those who love the sea