A salvage operation takes place today (Friday) to recover Aztec, the Co Cork fishing vessel which sank earlier this month in the Waterford Estuary near Duncannon, Co Wexford.
The Lara 1 floating crane – assisted by Ocean Supporter – is traveling from the UK to lead the attempted salvage.
Once the operation has been safely completed, the intention is to tow the vessel into Duncannon harbour where contractors will remove any remaining fish and fuel on-board before it is towed to the boatyard in New Ross, Co Wexford where it is due to be lifted on to land.
To facilitate the salvage operation which will involve anchors spread over a wide area, the main shipping channel to and from Waterford will be closed to all traffic from 10:00-23:59 on Friday.
Salvage operations will take place in Waterford Harbour, south of Duncannon on Friday the 29th January 2021.
Exclusion zone of 500m applies. The main shipping channel will be closed to all traffic for the duration.
Full details on Marine Notice 2 (2021) https://t.co/LNmgyYcmoC pic.twitter.com/7lcrhmhrRJ— PortofWaterford (@PortofWaterford) January 27, 2021
In addition, an exclusion zone of 500 metres will be in place and all vessels are being asked to keep well clear of the operation.
The AZTEC, a Cork registered fishing boat, was fishing for Spratt in the Waterford Estuary when it developed problems and began to take water earlier this month.
Dunmore East Lifeboat was launched around 12pm and was on the scene within a short period of time.
An accompanying Wexford fishing vessel, managed to rescue the four fishermen, taking them to the safety of their own vessel, until the arrival of Dunmore East Lifeboat.
