Wednesday, January 30, 2013

PCG amenable to dismantlement option for USS Guardian

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30): PCG amenable to dismantlement option for USS Guardian

As long as it has no adverse effects to the marine environment, the Philippine Coast Guard is amenable to the option eyed for the removal of the USS Guardian (MCM-5), still grounded at Tubbataha Reef at the Sulu Sea. "As long it will not have adverse effect on the marine environment, this option might be allowed," Coast Guard spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Armand Balilo said. However, he added this is still not final as US Navy salvage teams are still to present their salvage plan to Philippines authorities.

US Pacific Fleet spokesperson Capt. Darryn James earlier said the USS Guardian will be removed in sections and that dismantlement could last a month. This was after salvage teams found a "propagation of cracks" at the ship's hull. "After a full review of all possible alternatives, our only viable option is to dismantle the damaged ship and remove it in sections," James stressed.

Recovery options earlier eyed include towing and lifting. He further said the USN is "developing a thoughtful and deliberate plan to safely remove individual sections of the ship without causing the release of harmful materials." Two heavy lift ship-borne salvage cranes are now en route to Tubbataha and expected to arrive Feb. 1, during which the dismantling operations will begin.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=492507

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