The Vos-Apollo: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On January 22, 2023, the vessel 'VOS Apollo' encountered a significant rudder malfunction while towing a barge along the Bosphorus Strait, navigating the route from Golcuk to Sakarya. In response to the incident, the ship was safely anchored at Büyükdere, thanks to the prompt coordination of the Istanbul Ship Traffic Services Center. Support was provided by the powerful tugs 'Nazim Tur' (IMO: 9513086) and 'Kurtarma 11' (IMO: 9854399) to ensure the vessel's stability. As of January 23, 'VOS Apollo' remained in a fixed position at coordinates 41° 09.20' N, 029° 02.91' E. For more details, including video footage, you can visit the following link: https://twitter.com/kiyiemniyet/status/1617148977601810433.

The USS Guardian (MCM 5) has encountered significant challenges after going aground on the Tabbahata Reef, where she struck the coral at approximately 13 knots. Currently, the Vos Apollo is tasked with supporting salvage operations as the minesweeper remains lodged 20-30 meters from the reef's edge, suffering multiple hull penetrations. The impact caused considerable damage, with the vessel taking on water nearly immediately after grounding. Reports indicate that the ship is internally flooded up to the tide line, with both the Auxiliary Machine Room and Pump Room completely submerged. Compounding the situation, the vessel's internal bulkhead integrity is compromised, and several structural cracks are evident throughout the superstructure. Fortunately, initial assessments reveal that no fuel has leaked from the tanks, as the Vos Apollo effectively transferred fuel into seawater, stabilizing the vessel’s position on the reef. The U.S. Navy is actively engaged in ensuring the removal of all hazardous materials from USS Guardian, with salvage efforts focused on environmental preservation rather than restoring the ship for future use. Additional support comes from the SMIT Borneo and SMIT Cyclone, alongside the barge Smit Andaman, which are en route to the Guardian. Personnel from USS Mustin (DDG 89), USNS Bowditch (T-AGS 62), and USNS Salvor (T-ARS 52) are also on-site, with P-3 aircraft from Commander Task Force 72 conducting daily aerial surveillance. This coordinated operation seeks to protect the integrity of the Tabbahata Reefs National Park amid ongoing salvage activities. For more details and visual updates, visit the report: http://www.informationdissemination.net/2013/01/operation-guardian.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InformationDissemination+(Information+Dissemination).

The defueling operations for the USS Guardian, a grounded minesweeper, reached a successful conclusion on January 25. Approximately 15,000 gallons of diesel fuel have been extracted from the vessel, aiming to avert further harm to the delicate ecosystem of the Tubbataha Reef. This action is crucial for protecting the area's corals and marine life. According to the park manager, this grounding incident has inflicted the most significant damage to the World Heritage Site since its designation 12 years ago. The controlled defueling process spanned two days and involved safely transferring the fuel to the vessel Vos Apollo.