ST. SIMONS, Ga — The heavy-lift vessel VB10,000 is set to arrive in St. Simons Sound as soon as Tuesday weather permitting. Responders will use the vessel to cut and lift the Golden Ray wreck in eight sections.
The U.S. flagged vessel will transit from the Port of Fernandina, Fla. to St. Simons Sound where it will cut and lift the Golden Ray wreck inside the Environmental Protection Barrier (EPB). The vessel’s crew is sequestered in a health safety “bubble” to mitigate coronavirus exposure and ensure responder safety during removal operations. For a series of videos detailing each aspect of the response including the VB10,000, please go to https://www.stsimonssoundincidentresponse.com/subject-matter-expert-videos
“The arrival of the VB10,000 has been highly anticipated. It’s a very capable asset implementing the latest in heavy-lifting technology for marine environments,” said Cmdr. Efren Lopez, Federal On-Scene Coordinator. “The vessel is a critical component to our removal plan that ensures the safety of our responders and the public as we move forward and remove the Golden Ray.”
A 150-yard safety zone around the Environmental Protection Barrier (EPB) has been established. Mariners are advised to steer clear of the perimeter. Unauthorized flying of drones (UAVs) is prohibited around the wrecksite. 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.
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