Plans for beached ferry dismantling approved
Ferry Online Travel News 17/04/2008
A beached ferry will be dismantled on site.
The Ro-Ro ferry known as the Riverdance was scheduled to be dismantled last Thursday. The ferry crashed on January 31st, this year, during a storm. All those who were on board got off safely and were rescued, but the boat was beached.
The boat has been the subject of a long evaluation process while it has lain on the shores of Blackpool beach. According to the owner, the best option for both safety and the environment is to dismantle the ship where it currently lies.
Secretary of State's Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention (SOSREP), Hugh Shaw, has participated fully in the evaluation process and fully approved the plans for dismantling the ship.
The exact timeline for the full dismantling of the vessel will depend on weather conditions, but will probably take between 12 and 14 weeks.
Several other agencies were also involved in the assessment process. The Environment Group was consulted as were Defra, the Environment Agency, the Marine and Fisheries Agency and Natural England. All the parties have agreed that dismantling the vessel where it lies is the best option available.
Hugh Shaw said : "I look forward to being able to brief officers and elected members of the local authorities to explain how and why the forthcoming works will be carried out. I also look forward to working closely with all interested organisations such as the police and local transport services to ensure that minimum disruption is caused to residents and local people."
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