Removal of USS Guardian Faces Another Challenge

The removal operation of the grounded USS Guardian has been faced with another challenge this week, with SMIT Borneo crane barge’s inability to safely anchor at the Tubbataha Reef, the Philippines, Stars and Stripe  website reported.

The contingency plan includes engagement of another crane with higher capacity, i.e., the  DP-3 equipped Jascon 25. Navy spokesman Lt. Frederick Martin told the Stars and Stripes that the other crane is already underway and is expected to arrive on site on Saturday.

SMIT Salvage, Singapore, received on Feb. 1, 2013, a $24,889,904 contract to provide support for emergency response and recovery operations for the USS Guardian (MCM 5) grounding on Tubbataha Reef, Sulu Sea, the Philippines.

The approved salvage plan of the U.S. Navy Minesweeper USS Guardian that ran aground on January 17 while transiting the Sulu Sea , underlies dismantling of the vessel and removing it in sections.

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Naval Today Staff, February 14, 2013; Image: US Navy