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KML PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF STRICKEN RUSSIAN SHIP

KML PLAYS A KEY ROLE IN SUCCESSFUL RESCUE OF STRICKEN RUSSIAN SHIP

KML played a significant role in saving the Russian ship, ‘Kuzma Minin’, which ran aground just off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth on 18 December.

KML’s large all weather commercial RIB was the first vessel alongside after the ship ran aground at around 0500 on Tuesday morning. The RIB was mobilised with team members from both KML and Seawide Services. KML’s multicat ‘Sarah Grey’, together with the company’s heavy anchors, ground tackle and salvage equipment, was also emergency mobilised from KML’s own Falmouth Wharves.

With Southerly winds gusting to 60mph, breaking seas and shallow water presented significant hazards. Working through the surf lines in the RIB, KML and Seawide landed a salvage manager onboard the ship via a pilot ladder on the leeward side who took initial control of the situation, before collaborating with the Falmouth pilot once they had arrived by helicopter.

Throughout the morning, KML’s team worked closely with Seawide Services, Falmouth Pilots, Falmouth Harbour tugs, Falmouth Harbour Commissioners and Falmouth’s lifeboat in hostile conditions to develop a solution to rescue the casualty vessel. A rapid solution was of paramount importance to avoid serious damage and possible total loss of the ship and to avert the potential risk of spills of heavy fuel oil. Tugs were mobilised at speed from Falmouth Docks and Fowey, and KML’s own ‘Sarah Grey’ proceeded to the scene equipped to tow or to lay heavy ground tackle.

KML’s RIB worked for five hours delivering rope and connecting tow lines between the ship and tugs. Shortly after high water at 2pm, with all tugs and the ‘Sarah Grey’ towing at full power, and with the ship’s main engines, were successful in pulling ‘Kuzma Minin’ off the shore before escorting her to safe anchorage.

KML’s Managing Director, Diccon Rogers, personally led his team’s response to the incident and on returning to KML’s base at Falmouth Wharves said “I am very pleased that the combined marine resources of Falmouth were able to deliver a very effective salvage of ‘Kuzma Minin’. It was a great team effort in extremely difficult maritime conditions with the vessel hard grounded on a lee shore in breaking surf. By responding so quickly, we were not only able to save the ship but also prevented a major wreckage and environmental spill incident on a local tourist beach.”

 

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