Salvage operation ongoing aboard cargo vessel in the Minches


Salvage operations continue onboard the cargo vessel MV Kaami after it ran aground in the Minches last month.



Pollutants are being removed from the vessel by salvage company Resolve and they are also preparing for the removal of cargo. Salvors and specialist divers are carrying out onboard and underwater surveys to assist with the intended re-floating and eventual removal of the vessel. The salvage is overseen by the Secretary of State’s Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention supported by the MCA, salvors, the ship’s insurers and the Scottish Environment Group.




So far, specialist salvage teams have removed most of the remaining fuel and contaminated seawater from onboard fuel tanks for recycling and disposal ashore. The fuel removal operation is nearing completion.  In addition, salvors have removed most other pollutants and loose material, such as paints, ropes and buoys, as these might hamper future operations and had the potential to impact on the environment and wildlife. This material has also been sent for recycling and disposal ashore



The MCA Counter Pollution Team and the HM Coastguard fixed wing aircraft are continuing to support operations. Regular monitoring flights are carried out to provide aerial footage and detect and assess any pollution. It is believed that around 28 cubic metres of diesel have escaped from the ship following the grounding. The Scottish Environment Group is aware and has assessed the impact of the pollution as low and nonpersistent.





Work is ongoing by the salvors to contract and prepare a suitable barge in the Western Isles to enable cargo-offload when weather and sea conditions allow for safe operations.  Arrangements for dealing with the offloaded cargo are being developed in consultation with the waste regulator Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and other partner organisations.



Divers were able to briefly enter the water on Tuesday (March 31) but sea conditions precluded a full survey of the seabed area around the ship. This will continue when conditions allow.



It is assessed that current and forecast weather conditions will impose a delay to the ongoing work, but all efforts are being made to resolve the incident as quickly and safely as possible.



A temporary exclusion zone of 500 metres remains in place around MV Kaami to all but those vessels directly involved in supporting the response. The Maritime Accident Investigation Branch is carrying out an investigation remotely with assistance from the salvors.

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