BRUNSWICK, Ga. - Responders continue preparations to separate Section Seven from the Golden Ray wreck. The Unified Command (UC) gave an update on removal operations to local officials and the public.
Responders continue preparations for the next cut as well as advance preparations for subsequent cuts. While divers remove debris and sediment blocking the cutting chain from entering the cut groove for Section Seven, crews working on the topside of the wreck continue to drill holes to perforate cut lines for Section Two. Due to strong currents around the wreck site, dive operations are limited to slack tide conditions. Once the cutting chain is in the cut groove, responders will tension the chain and make final preparations to commence the cutting operations.
The first of four dry dock barges arrived Saturday. The dry docks will be used to stow and transport inner Sections Three, Four, Five and Six from the wreck site to a staging area along the East River where they will be partially dismantled before transiting to a recycling facility in Louisiana. The Barge 455-7 stands by to receive Section Seven once separated from the Golden Ray wreck. The Barge JULIE B will return to receive Section Two prior to removing the inner sections.
The UC updated Mayor Cornell Harvey and members of the Brunswick City Commission during a public meeting, Friday. The presentation featured an explanation of environmental systems and procedures used in the response.
Responders utilize special equipment to remove sediment in order to clear a path for the cutting chain to move into position along the cut groove during preparations for cutting operations to separate Section Seven of the Golden Ray wreck. St. Simons Sound Incident response photo.
Responders working on the topside of the Golden Ray wreck drill holes along the cutline for Section Two. The perforations guide the chain in a straight line during cutting operations to ensure a precise cut. St. Simons Sound Incident response photo.
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The 150-yard safety zone around the EPB is increased to 200 yards for recreational vessels. The UC advises mariners to please steer clear of the perimeter. Any unauthorized usage of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) around the wreck site is prohibited. Responders will report any sightings of drones and drone operators to local authorities.
The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command is the official source of information for the motor vessel Golden Ray response operations.
For more updates, please subscribe for email alerts at https://www.stsimonssoundincidentresponse.com/
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