Golden Ray: Section seven separated from wreck

Written by Nick Blenkey
Deep groove between sections of wreck

The VB-10000 shifts slightly away from the remaining Golden Ray wreck after the cutting [St. Simons Sound Incident response photo.]

The St. Simons Sound Response team reports that cutting operations to separate Section Seven of the wreck of the capsized car carrier Golden Ray concluded earlier today (April 24).

[St. Simons Sound Incident Response photo.]

Wreck removal personnel will prepare the section for lifting operations by removing vehicles, moveable decks and sediment, similarly to previous weight-shedding operations.

Once lifted, Section Seven will be loaded onto a barge and secured for transit to a facility at the Georgia Port Authority’s Mayor’s Point Terminal to undergo sea-fastening for an ocean transit to Louisiana.

Collected data from fixed monitors and hydrographic surveys confirms that the remaining wreck is stable.

The 150-yard safety zone around the Environmental Protection Barrier is increased to 200 yards for recreational vessels. The Unified Command advises mariners to please steer clear of the perimeter to ensure the safety of responders and the public. Any unauthorized usage of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles, UAVs) around the wreck site and near response facilities is discouraged due to safety. UAVs are distractions that can lead to near misses, mishaps and injuries. Responders will report any sightings of drones and drone operators to local authorities.

ENVIRONMENTAL UPDATE

On-water response teams continue to mitigate oil sheens and debris observed around the wreck site. Natural Resource Advisors continue to monitor areas around the wreck site and the Environmental Protection Barrier (EPB) for any wildlife activity or impacts. Survey teams continue to assess the shoreline to find and remove any debris or other environmental impacts. To learn more about the response debris program, watch this video Subject Matter Expert Overview – Debris Removal Operations

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