Bad weather delays crane ship sent to extract USS Guardian

From GMA News (Feb 2): Bad weather delays crane ship sent to extract USS Guardian

Bad weather conditions have delayed the arrival of crane ships sent to help extract the US minesweeper USS Guardian from Tubbataha Reef. A report on "24 Oras" said the ships had been expected to arrive from Singapore as early as Friday, but may instead come on Sunday at the earliest.

The report said the SMIT Borneo is due to arrive in Palawan 7 a.m. from Singapore, but will have to travel almost a day before reaching Tubbataha. "From Puerto Princesa bibiyahe pa yan papunta site, that's about 90 miles. (Kung) tatakbo ng 5 knots, mga 18-20 hours bago makarating sa site," said Commodore Efren Evangelista, head of Task Force Tubbataha.

A second ship may arrive in the Philippines but its schedule is not yet definite, the report added.

The USS Guardian ran aground on Tubbataha Reef last Jan. 17 and could not immediately be extracted.

So far, much of its potentially harmful content – including 15,000 gallons of fuel – have been removed from the ship.

Meanwhile, the US Navy said it will dismantle and safely remove the 23-year-old ship from the reef, "in sections."

An article posted on the US Navy site said naval architecture and salvage experts have assessed that attempts to remove USS Guardian intact may cause more damage to the reef and the ship's hull, "and most likely result in the vessel breaking up or sinking."

"Guardian is badly damaged and with the deteriorating integrity of the ship, the weight involved, and where it is grounded on the reef, dismantling in sections is the only supportable option," said Capt. Darryn James, US Pacific Fleet spokesman.

"We have the right team of experienced professionals to conduct this complex operation and to ensure that it is done safely while minimizing damage to the surrounding marine environment," he added.

Also, the Navy said no fuel has leaked since the grounding and all of some 15,000 gallons aboard Guardian were safely transferred off the ship.

Dismantling plan

The US Navy also said it has presented a dismantling plan to the Philippine Coast Guard that maintains the floating cranes necessary for this operation in deeper water to minimize coral damage to Tubbataha Reef.

"We continue to work closely at all levels with the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy and government officials and we are grateful for the support we have received to remove Guardian and minimize further damage to the reef," said James.

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