MV Smart Stern Refloated and Sunk Off South Africa [PHOTOS]

The MV Smart seen broken in two in Richards Bay, South Africa. Image courtesy Subtech Group

Salvors working to remove the MV Smart shipwreck in Richards Bay, South Africa successfully refloated the stern section of the broken capesize bulk carrier before towing it out to sea where it was sunk.

A salvage team made up of South African-based Subtech Group and SMIT Amandla Marine said this week that the stern section was successfully refloated by the 181 ton bollard pull tug, Smit Amandla. The section was then towed out to sea where it was intentionally sunk.

As gCaptain reported previously, the 151,279 dwt bulk carrier MV SMART ran aground August 19th as she departed the port of Richards Bay with 147,650 tons of coal, eventually breaking up and coming to rest along a sandbar just outside the port.

Prior to the stern’s refloating, crews from Subtech and SMIT Salvage worked to remove all fuel oil and coal on board.

Here is a collection of photos from the job: