Update on the Seli1

Hi guys

This is hot off the press:

The Seli 1 is fast becoming a fixture on our horizon and if the tourists want a nice photo of Table Mountain, they’ll have to Photoshop the ship out. At least we see some movement on the ship these days which is encouraging, but these guys are only there to try strengthen the ship. In the photo’s you can see how they are trying to strengthen the weakened areas.

In the aerial photo’s below, you will also see the water in the middle cargo bay where the coal is being stored. It seems like the removal of the coal will start next week but I just hope the swell of this week won’t remove the coal and oil for the salvagers.

Read the letter from a SAMSA spokes lady informing us on what is currently happening and what they are planning for the near future:

” Dear Anton,

To answer your questions sent to Clare, we still await completion of certain legalities which surround the removal of the coal, however we are hopeful that the coal removal should begin as early as next week.

At the moment strengthening beams are being welded into place to keep the strength on deck whilst the operation is underway. Our first prize would be to obtain money from the owners/insurers but as you are most likely aware, the Russian P&I Pool have withdrawn the cover for pollution and wreck removal and the owner cannot assist financially.

This is not a very good situation but all the Authorities concerned are going to pull together to assist in the removal of the wreck. The coal removal could take three months but all depends on the weather and the rate at which they are able to work.

The divers continue to patch holes along the side of the vessel which will make it easier to pump water out of the holds and the engine room, once most of the coal has been removed, the refloating of the vessel will commence.

Hope this answers your questions. Have a great day ! “