Read Authentic Ratings for the Phoenix-Dawn

As of March 28, the bulk carriers 'Afina I' and 'Kiveli' continue to be entangled in Vatika Bay. Salvage operations are in full swing as efforts to separate the vessels persist. The 'Afina I' has sustained significant damage, prompting a lightering process to elevate the vessel's gash above the waterline, minimizing water ingress during the decoupling procedure. To facilitate this, a barge equipped with a mobile crane has been deployed, actively transferring iron ore cargo onto lighters. Meanwhile, the 'Kiveli' remains wedged in the hull to maintain the integrity of the breach. Tugs 'Vernicos Sifnos' and 'Hermes' are diligently securing the vessels at coordinates 36° 30.01' N 023° 0.14' E. For visual updates, check out the video coverage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRyILE3JK_I.

On March 14, Lyboussakis Salvage & Towage achieved a significant feat by successfully separating two bulk carriers, 'Kiveli' and 'Afina I'. The incident occurred over 10 nautical miles northwest of Kythera, Greece, where both ships sustained damage yet remained afloat at the collision site. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the crews aboard either vessel, and no pollution was detected in the aftermath of the collision. The salvage team had expressed concerns regarding a substantial hole in the port side of the 'Afina I', fearing that it could lead to the ship sinking if they were separated. To mitigate risks, both vessels were towed to the calmer waters of Neapoli Voion Anchorage for safety. At approximately 4:15 p.m., 'Kiveli', accompanied by tugs 'Dolphin I' and 'Hermes', was securely moored at Vatika Bay, with coordinates 36° 28.86' N 023° 0.21'14.3 E. In total, four additional tugs played crucial roles in the response efforts. Greek maritime authorities are currently investigating the cause of this collision to prevent future incidents. For further exclusive insights, please check the Greek report featuring photographs: [Click Here](https://arxipelagos.gr/%CF%83%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%B5%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%AD%CF%82-%CF%86%CF%89%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%B3%CF%81%CE%B1%CF%86%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82-%CE%B1%CF%80%CF%8C-%CF%84%CE%B7-%CF%83%CF%8D%CE%B3%CE%BA%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%85/?fbclid=IwAR3HnnZX0C18XtBJpSOxAWzqHjYG4JtaFQ_h1EBVbHow-97SLcVXmmJL6sY).

On March 13, 2021, an alarming maritime incident occurred west of Kythira island, situated off the southern coast of Peloponnese. The vessel 'Kiveli', while navigating its route from Casablanca to Varna, struck the bulk carrier 'Afina I' head-on. At the time of the collision, both ships were heading in opposite directions, resulting in significant damage. The 'Afina I' was carrying 24 crew members—comprising one Georgian and 23 Filipinos—and was transporting a cargo of scrap metal en route from Novorossiysk to Bilbao. The impact caused a hull breach in the 'Afina I', leading to water ingress, prompting both vessels to remain intertwined to prevent sinking. Meanwhile, the 'Kiveli' was loaded with fertilizer and had a crew of 18, including 16 Georgians and two Russians. Responding quickly to the emergency, tugs 'Hermes', 'Karapiperis 18', and 'Vernicos Sifnos', along with five Coast Guard vessels and boats from the Port Authority, rushed to the scene. For further details, you can view the report with accompanying photos and videos [here](https://www.tovima.gr/2021/03/14/society/kythira-se-ekselixi-oi-ereynes-gia-ti-sygkrousi-ton-dyo-ploion/).