VIDEO: VB-10,000 arrives at Golden Ray wreck site

Giant heavy lift vessel will be used to cut wreck into eight sections and lift them onto barges [Image: St. Simons Sound Response]

The largest heavy lift vessel ever built in the U.S., the twin-gantry, twin-barge catamaran VB-10,000, has now arrived in St. Simons Sound, Ga., where it will play a key role in the salvage of the capsized car carrier Golden Ray.

The giant vessel will be used to cut the wreck sequentially into eight sections that it will lift to be placed on barges and dry docks inside the Environmental Protection Barrier (EPB) around the wreck site.

The St. Simons Sound Incident Unified Command says that a150-yard safety zone has been established around the EPB and 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.