USNS Sgt. Matej Kocak (T-AK 3005) aground off Okinawa, image posted on gCaptain Forum (unknown origin)
After running aground 8 days ago off the east coast of Okinawa, Japan, plans to salvage Military Sealift Command’s USNS Sgt. Matej Kocak (T-AK 3005) are under way today.
In a phone call with MSC spokesperson Nathan Potter, he says the ship is currently being dewatered and that a tanker is on its way to defuel the vessel.
gCaptain sources, along with AIS data, indicates the M/T SLNC PAX will be utilized for the transfer, however MSC did not confirm.
MSC says the defueling will likely commence Monday and that two salvage companies, SMIT and Nippon Salvage, have been contracted for the eventual float-away of the ship.
The ship is currently stable and once floated, will be brought to White Beach, Okinawa where divers will assess the damage and repairs will be made.
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