Salvage attempts are likely for Portaferry shipwreck

Salvage attempts are likely for Portaferry shipwreck

1 February 2017

ATTEMPTS are to be made to raise a 108 foot classic ship that sank in Portaferry harbour on Thursday night.

The former owner of the 1930s schooner, Regina Caelis, wants to salvage the yacht which is now sitting on the bottom of Strangford Lough beside the Cook Street jetty.

Ardglass man Willie Mulhall, who says he sold the ship several months ago, hopes work can begin in the near future to raise the vessel and that it can be made ready for sea.

The ship, which has been tied up at the jetty for almost two years and was in a poor condition, sank during Thursday night leading to fears of pollution in the internationally regarded lough.

The Exploris aquarium suspended its intake of water from the lough for a brief period until it became clear the small amount of diesel which leaked from the Regina Caelis posed little pollution risk.

Mr Mulhall said because he had an attachment to the vessel he wanted to work with the new owner to bring about a satisfactory resolution to the problem.

Mr Mulhall said the vessel sank while the skipper was abroad for a family emergency.

He said he hoped it would be salvaged, subject to the weather, and that the crew would be able to complete its restoration before sailing to Malta where the craft will be used as a tourist flagship.

Although he confirmed that an investigation into the accident was not yet complete, Mr Mulhall said he believed it was due to extreme tides.

He claimed the vessel had never before taken in significant water.

“A Maltese crew had been working on her for weeks, making her ready for the journey between Portaferry and Malta where full restoration was to be done,” he said.

“Ards Council has been very helpful as we have worked to get her ready to sail and she will be righted over the next few days.”

Portaferry councillor Joe Boyle said he had been telephoned from Malta by the captain of the vessel who had expressed his disappointment about its sinking.

“He also expressed his regret to the Portaferry community for the problem caused to the area and potentially Strangford Lough but believed that this outcome was out of his control,” he said.

“He also wanted to thank the Portaferry community for their hospitality to him and the crew.”

Mr Boyle said he was thankful, despite initial concerns about potential pollution, that there would be a minimal impact on the environment from diesel spilt in the accident.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency has confirmed that wind and tidal action will help disperse the fuel.

“The situation will be kept under review to determine if any remedial measures are necessary or practicable given the strong currents in the vicinity of Cook Street,” a spokesman said.

A spokeswoman for Ards and North Down Borough Council said the local authority is working closely with with various agencies in response to the sinking.

“Specialist consultants are working to contain the leak and assist with the clean-up. It is believed that the fuel oil does not present a long-term threat to the environment,” she said.

 “The vessel will be salvaged as soon as is reasonably practicable,” added the spokeswoman.