Salvage Team Raises 580-ton Bow Section Of Cargo Ship ‘Verity’ Lost In 2023 Collision

The Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration of Germany (WSV) has announced the successful retrieval of the wreck of the UK-registered cargo ship Verity, which sank after colliding with another vessel in the North Sea in October 2023.

The salvage operation was finished on the evening of September 3rd, 2024, wrapping off a recovery effort that began in mid-June.

The Verity, which had broken apart after colliding with the Bahamas-registered cargo ship Polesie, was found in two pieces. A powerful floating crane raised the vessel’s stern to the surface first on August 30, 2024, and then the bow four days later.

After thorough calculations and preparations, the bow section, weighing 580 tons and measuring around 50 meters long, was loaded onto a transport barge. Additional drainage openings were cut into the side tanks to reduce weight during the lift and allow water to drain.

Eric Oehlmann, Head of the Directorate-General for Waterways and Shipping, described the operation as an “outstanding rescue” that was “successfully and safely completed.” He praised everyone involved in the salvage operation for their professionalism under difficult circumstances and added that safety was the top priority throughout the operation.

Oehlmann acknowledged the rescue of two sailors while also expressing empathy for the families of those dead and missing.

The operation encountered many difficulties, including diving to depths of up to 40 meters, which was only possible between high and low tides. The operation included three tugs, two barges, the multi-purpose vessel Neuwerk, a floating crane, the emergency tug Nordic, and the traffic safety vessel Sea Guardian.

Wilhelmshaven’s traffic control center monitored shipping throughout the operation to ensure safety.

The salvage operation also found the body of one crew member inside a cabin in the stern. The remains were handed over to the German Federal Police. Two survivors were rescued shortly after the collision, while another crewmember was found dead at the collision site.

However, the bodies of three other Verity crew are still missing. None of Polesie’s 22-person crew were injured in the collision.

The two recovered sections will be transported to the Netherlands for disposal. Cleanup efforts at the wreckage area will continue, including the removal of hatch covers and other debris from the seabed. The site will then undergo a final inspection before being cleared for shipping.

Verity and Polesie collided in October 2023 in a heavily trafficked area of the German Bight. Since Verity was sailing under the Isle of Man flag, the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) is investigating in collaboration with Germany’s Federal Bureau of Maritime Accident Investigation.

The final report on the incident is still pending.

Reference: WSV

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