Salvage of 'Boa Force' a success

5/4/94

The salvage of the tug boat 'Boa Force' has been completed successfully.

The 'Boa Force' sank in seven metres of water off Thevenard Island on February 24 after it struck the disused Saladin 3 well-head during pipelaying for the 'Roller Skate' development.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton told State Parliament today the vessel had been lifted clear of the well-head, patched and refloated with the use of a sheerlegs barge brought in from Singapore.

The salvage operation was completed over the Easter weekend.

It was carried out by the Australian company, United Salvage, in conjunction with Smit Tak Towage and Salvage of Singapore. It also involved a Perth-based diving team from Franmarine Underwater Services.

Mr Charlton said some 176,000 litres of oil and fuel was removed from the vessel without spillage on Sunday after it was refloated.

"The salvors are to be congratulated on a job well done, as well as the field operators, Western Australian Petroleum Limited (WAPET)," Mr Charlton said.

"WAPET co-operated fully throughout the salvage and the operators of the vessel at the time of the sinking, Tidewater Port Jackson Marine Pty Ltd, had also done all they could to assist."

The Department of Transport provided a liaison officer on site throughout the salvage operations to represent all relevant State Government agencies.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333 or 222 9595