Working Conditions Aboard the Martha-A

The "Jula S" after having taken the wreck of the Volvo Ocean Racing yacht, “Vestas Wind” on deck on Dec 21, 2014, was underway to Port Louis, ETA Jan 1, 2015. In a joint venture between Subtech and Svitzer, a team consisting of Neil Scott-Williams, Morgan Castle and Morne Uys of Subtech and Mike Smith and Rob Hare, veteran salvors from Svitzer who was mobilized from South Africa under a Bimco Wreckhire to refloat and recover, intact, the remains of the “Vestas Wind” from the Cargados Carajos Shoal, 250 nm North of Mauritius, the operation was brought to a happy end. Through the efforts of major sponsor, Maersk, arrangements had been made for the “Jula S” to divert course and rendezvous with the salvage team during a very small window of time in the afternoon of Dec 21 off the Cargados Carajos Shoal. This gave the salvage team 2,5 days to inspect the vessel, confirm the method of salvage and then execute on the plan to be floating and ready for the “Jula S” or risk missing the opportunity and scuttling any chance of Team Vestas Wind re-entering the race. Not having charts for the area, the master of the "Jula S" was concerned about the approach but fortunately Rogar Addisson, the captain of the “Gryphon”, which had assisted in the salvage, was an ex Mauritian Pilot of many years experience in Mauritius and the Cargados Carajos Shoal areas and was able to give reassurance regarding the approach and provide the vessel with the charts enabling them to approach within one mile of the “Gryphon” thereby making the job infinitely easier. Once the "Jula S" was at anchor, the “Vestas Wind” was towed across and handed over to the vessel. Here, within the space of an hour, through the coordinated efforts of all parties, the “Vestas Wind” was securely lashed in place and the “Jula S” was able to sail, only 15 minutes later than scheduled. Report with photos: http://www.news.sail-world.com/Volvo_Ocean_Race__Team_Vestas_Wind_images_from_the_reef_recovery/130096

The "Jula S." collided with the Korean cargo m/v "Zenith Winner" on July 24, 2010, at 6.30 a.m.on Tianjin Road, China, which was heading for Daesan. The "Zenith Winner" sank, 10 vessel took part in a rescue operation, including the "Jula S." All 10 crew were rescued. Traffic on road and in port were not affected.