Vessel | : | F/B “GRECIA EXPRESS” |
Date | : | 15/9/94-15/11/94 |
Place | : | Aigio Port, Peloponnese (Greece) |
Casualty | : | Sinking following explosion |
Following an explosion at the frame between the engine room and CH No 6 the RO/RO PASSENGER FERRY ‘GRECIA EXPRESS’, was lying capsized to 90o on her SS side within the Aigio Port. Eight months later, POSEIDON was contracted by the shipowning company to refloat her. The operation was difficult and time consuming due to the fact that her SS side was submerged three meters deep in the muddy seabed. For over a period of one month, Poseidon team was engaged in the digging works by use of suction pipes over the decks A, B, C and D, in order to gain access to all SS openings, such as over boards, sea chests, doors, scuttles and ventilators and watertight them by welding steel plates. PS openings were also water tightened. Placing balloons of total elevating force 450 tons all along SS side of vessel. Placing electrical submergible pumps in all compartments - engine room, pump room, generators room, garage, double bottoms and accommodation areas - and pumping out seawater at a rate of 3,500tons/hour. Gradual gain of vessel’s upright position. Shifting all heavy objects such as machinery accessories, metal structures and generally ship’s stores from SS to PS in order to minimize her list. The vessel was safely delivered afloat within 2 months.
