In order to be able to lift the 2600 tonne wreck, it had to be cut in two beforehand. This work was completed a fortnight ago. The masts of the ship, which was lying on an even keel, had already been removed as they posed an obstacle to shipping - the position of the wreck is at the intersection of the busy Terschelling-German Bight and Jade Approach traffic separation schemes.
Huge floating crane will salvage the wreck
A number of specialised vessels were brought together for the final work at the sinking site and the salvage of the two sections. The floating crane "Hebo-Lift 10" from the Netherlands played the biggest role. It is one of the most powerful cranes in Europe and will first salvage the stern and then the bow. The removal will take place on a heavy-duty transport barge.
The wreck sections are each lifted using four chains, which are attached to the lifting slings of the floating crane. To further reduce the weight, water is also pumped from the "Verity's" fresh water tanks, which are still full. The work is being secured by the traffic safety vessel "Sea Guardian" and the emergency tug "Nordic". Passing shipping must keep a distance of at least one nautical mile. The responsible Weser-Jade-North Sea Waterways and Shipping Authority has also published the exact position in a corresponding Notice to Mariners (BfS) published.
Within minutes: The sinking of the "Verity"
The accident involving the "Verity" occurred in the early morning of 24 October 2024 at the intersection of the aforementioned traffic separation schemes and between the islands of Helgoland and Langeoog. The coaster, which flies the British flag, was on its way from Bremen to the UK when it collided with the 190-metre-long, 24,000-tonne bulk carrier "Polesie" (flag: Bahamas). The "Verity" was so badly damaged that it sank within a few minutes.
During the search and rescue mission, which got underway quickly and involved numerous floating and flying sea rescue units under the leadership of the Havariekommandos Cuxhaven Despite the unfavourable sea conditions (wind: 6 Beaufort, wave height: 3 metres), two seamen from the "Verity" were rescued alive, but a third crew member was only found dead. The four other people on board the "Verity" could not be found.
Initially, it remained unclear whether the wreck would be salvaged. After the shipping company expressed no further interest, the federal government decided to salvage it. To this end, the cargo was salvaged: 181 steel coils, before the hull was cut up and the actual salvage operation could begin.
