Hull damage complicates Seaflower salvage

Fishcor says it has not abandoned the MFV Seaflower, which ran aground at Penguin Island on 27 April after breaking away from its anchorage at Lüderitz.

"Seaflower will not remain on the rocks indefinitely. Penguin Island is an environmentally sensitive area, and we are fully aware of our responsibilities," Fishcor chief executive Alex Gawanab said.

"The vessel will be removed at the appropriate time using the right approach while taking the sensitivity of the environment into account," he added.

Gawanab said divers had inspected the vessel's hull and found that it had been breached.

"There is a hole in the hull through which water is entering the vessel. If we attempt to refloat it before the damage is properly assessed, the vessel could take on water faster than it can be pumped out and sink inside the bay. That would create a far greater environmental risk," he explained.

"We are not rushing the process. We have obtained quotations from salvage specialists, and we are assessing whether the cost of recovering the vessel is justified by its value. These assessments are still under way," Gawanab said.

Fishcor and Namport had made several attempts to refloat the vessel but were unsuccessful because of rough seas and adverse weather conditions.

Gawanab said the company had since removed the fuel and oil from the vessel to minimise the risk of pollution.

"Our priority was to eliminate the risk of an environmental incident. The fuel and oil were transferred to another vessel without any spillage, so the immediate environmental risk has been significantly reduced," he said.

Fishcor is also consulting Namport and the environment ministry.

"We are considering different options, including salvaging the vessel with a partner or selling it in its current condition, with the buyer assuming responsibility for its recovery and possible scrapping or reuse," Gawanab said.