| SOS DE GNF GNF AS AS SOS DDD SOS V GNF //FOLLOWING RECEIVED ON 2182 KHz FROM AVE VMARIE POSITION 51.33.4N 02.06.4E ON FIRE REQUEST IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE// TIME 070405Z DG F CFM 51.33.5N ASAT 51.33.4N HELICOPTER PROCEEDING 3X7 WARSHIP LEANDER F1 RAT 51.33.5NORTH | ||
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| NAWS Y21S299 UU OO RXFNKCF DE RBDNOHF 002 2500723 ZNR UUUUU O 070659Z SEP 82 FM HMS LEANDER TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNK/CTF 701 RXFNKCF/HMNOS OSLO RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS BT UNCLAS SIC LAL 1. LEANDER/EURYALUS CARRYING OUT FIREFIGHTING AND SALVAGE ASSISTANCE OF PORTUGUESE FISHING VESSEL AVE MARIA (A3005N) ON FIRE POSITION 51 33N 002 06E. 2. ALL CREW (45) RESCUED NOW IN LEANDER. NO CASUALTIES. 3. LLOYDS OPEN FORM SIGNED BY MASTER OF VESSEL. FORM HELD IN LEANDER. 4. SHIPS AGENT BEING INFORMED. 5. SALVAGE OPERATION CONDUCTED IN COMMUNICATION WITH DOVER COASTGUARD. 6. AMPLIFICATION AND INTENTIONS TO FOLLOW. BT TOR: 1045Z 7 SEP Y21'S | ||
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| NAWS Y21S??? UU OO RXFNKOF DE RBDFOHF 003 2500832 ZNR UUUUU O 070821Z SEP 82 FM HME LEANDER TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNK/CTF 701 RXFNKCF/HMOMS OSLO RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MY LAL 060659Z SEP 82 (SALVAGE REPORT) SITREP ONE 1. ENGINE ROOM FIRE IN PORTUGUESE FISHING VESSEL AVE MARIA (850 GROSS TONS) UNDER CONTROL BUT NOT YET FULLY EXTINGUISHED. EURYALUS/LEANDER FIREFIGHTING TEAMS ATTEMPTING RE ENTRY. 2. WHEN FIRE EXTINGUISHED AND STABLE INTEND LEANDER TAKE AVE MARIA IN TOW TOWARDS HARWICH UNTIL RELIEVED BY TUG WATERLOO AT ???????? 1030Z. 3. INTEND TRANSFERRING 45 SURVIVORS 2 LIFEBOATS 3 LIFERAFTS FROM LEANDER TO TUG PATRICIA FOR DISEMBARKATION AT FELIXSTOWE. BT TOR 1047Z 7 SEP Y21'S | ||
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| UU PP RBDWC RBDEC RBDTC DE RBDHOWO 001 2501230 ZNR UUUUU P 070940Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RBDTRS/RAF MANSTON BT UNCLAS SIC EYA/EYJ/EYL 1. FILM OF RESCUE OF FREIGHTER QUOTE AVE MARIA UNQUOTE TAKEN BY EURYALUS HELO (433) HAS BEEN DESPATCHED VIA RAF RESCUE WESSEX TO RAF MANSTON FOR ONWARD DESPATCH TO DUTY FLEET PRO MOD MAIN BUILDING. BT TOR 1335Z 7 SEP WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| NAWS Y21S333 UU OO RXFNKCF DE RBDHC 063 2501109 ZNR UUUUU ZWN O P 071055Z SEP 82 FM FO PLYMOUTH TO RXDBDCF/HMS LEANDER INFO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDEC/CINCFLEET RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS ZEN/DOVER COASTGUARD RBDTRS/RAF MANSTON BT UNCLAS SIC LAL REF AVE MARI INCIDENT. FO MEDWAY ASSUMING COORDINATION OF NAVAL SALVAGE SUPPORT AND FLYING SALVAGE OFFICER TO INCIDENT BY MAN STON HELO. SALVAGE SHIP AVAILABLE AT CHATHM IF NECESSARY. BT TOR: 1454Z 7 SEP 82 Y21S | ||
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| NAWS Y21S390 OO RXFNKCF DE RBDFOHF 005 2501106 ZNR UUUUU O P 071105Z SEP 82 FM HMS LEANDER TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNK/CTF 701 RYFIA/HNOMS OSLO RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY BT UNCLAS SIC LAL/ICL MY LALO 070659Z SEP 82 SITREP TWO 1. EURYALUS CONTINUING FIREFIGHTING OPERATION IN FV AVE MARIA WITH LEANDER ASSISTANCE. MINOR EXPLOSION IN FV ENGINE ROOM DURING THIR REENTRY ATTEMPT WITH SUBSEQUENT FIRE. INTENSE HEAT AND SMOKE IN ENGINE ROOM AND ADJACENT COMPARTMENT HAS FORCED WITHDRAWAL OF FIREFIGHTERS FROM VICINITY OF FIRE. LARGE AMOUNT FOAM INJECTED AND BOUNDARY COOLING CONTINUES. COMPARTMENT BATTENED DOWN AND SEALED. 2. CONSIDER EURYALUS/LEANDER/TUG WATERLOO FACILITIES SUFFICIENT TO CONTAIN AND POSSIBLY EXTINGUISH FIRE DURING NEXT FOUR HOURSE. POSSIBILITY OF MAJOR CONFLAGRATION IN FV AFTER END STILL EXISTS. REQUEST FLEET SALVAGE TEAM ASSISTANCE AS CONTINGENCY MEASURE. 3. FORTY TWO MEMBERS FV CREW TRANSFERRED TO THE PATRICIA NOW BOUND FELIXSTOWE. FV MASTER, CHIEF ENG ASND FIRST OFFICER REMAIN ON SCENE TO ASSIST. 4. WEATHER IN AREA WIND 250/13 KNOTS VIS 8 NM SEA STATE 3. BT TOR 1744Z: 7 SEP Y21S | ||
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| UU OO RBDHC RBDNEC RBDWC DE RBDHOVO 003 2501310 ZNR UUUUU O 081304Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDNC/FO MEDWAY RBDWC/MODUK NAVY BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUK FOR DMS(N) BATH SALVO SITREP 1. SITUATION AT PRESENT STABLE. INTEND TUG WATERLOOK TOWS CASUALTY TO MARGATE ROADS ETA 1000Z EURYALUS IN COMPANY. 2. FIREFIGHTING PARTY PLUS SALVAGE OFFICER ON CASUALTY. FIREFIGHTING CONTINUING. 3. REQUEST HIGH EXPANSION FOAM OR SIMILAR TO COMBAT ENGINE ROOM FIRE MEET AT MARGATE ROADS. BT TOD: 1337Z 7 SEP WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| NAWS Y21S450 OO RXFNKCF DE RBDFOHF 008 2501414 ZNR UUUUU O P 071340Z SEP 82 FM HMS LEANDER TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNK/CTF 701 RXFNKCF/HMNOS OSLO RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY BT UNCLAS SIC LAL/IVJ REF MY LAL/ICL 071105Z SEP 82 SITREP THREE 1. AVE MARIA FIRE CONSIDERED BY FO MEDWAY SALVAGE OFFICER TO BE SUFFICIENTLY CONTAINED TO PERMIT TOWING. TUG WATERLOOK TOOK FV IN TOW 1300Z TOWARDS HARWICH. EURYALUS REMAINING AS ESCORT WITH FIREFIGHTERS STILL EMBARKED FV. 2. LEANDER DETACHING TO TAKE UP CTG DUTIES IAW PREVIOUS ORDERS. 3. EURYALUS ASSUMED DUTIES ON SCENE COMMANDER 1310Z. BT TOR 2118Z 7 SEP 82 Y21S | ||
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| UU OO RBDNC RBDNEC RBDWC DE RBDFOWO 008 2501432 ZNR UUUUU O 071423Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH INFO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY RBDWC/MODUK NAVY BT UNCLAS SIG LAL MODUKE FOR DMS(N) SALVO SITREP NUMBER 2 1. POSITION 071415Z 5131N0 00155E1 260-6KTS. 2. FIREFIGHTING - FIRE APPEARS OUT IN ACCOMMODATION AFT BUT CONTINUES IN ENGINE ROOM. PROBLEM APPEARS WOODEN STRUCT URE OF VESSEL. HOWEVER NO FURTHER PUMPING CAPACITY REQUIRED. HIGH EXPANSION FOAM STILL HIGHLY DESIRABLE. 3. TOW PROGRESSING WELL ETA MARGATE ROADS NO 1730Z. BT TOD: 1459Z 7 SEP 82 WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| NAWS Y21S496 UU PP RXFNKF DE RBTJOHF 014 2501646 ZNR UUUUU P O71620Z SEP 82 FM HMS LEANDER TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDNC/FO MEDWAY RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS RBDNEC/COASTGUARD DOVER STRAIGHT RBDTCI/RAF MANSTON BT UNCLAS SIC LAL/ICL REF. A. MY LAL 070659Z SEP 82 AND SITREPS 1 - 3 (NOTAL) B. FO PLYMOUTH LAL 071055Z SEP 82. LEANDER SUMMARY 1. AT 070440Z LEANDER EURYALUS IN COY ALERTED BY DOVER COSTGUARD OF VESSEL REPORTED ON FIRE POSITION 51 36N 00209e. ?????? WITH TT FERRY FREE ENTERPRISE 7 ARRIVED VICINITY LARGE SMOKE COVERED PORTUGUESE FV AVE MARIA 850 GROSS TONS REGISTERED AVEIRO AT 0510Z. FOUND PANAMA REGISTERED MV FRATERN A STANDING BY AVE MARIA WITH 5 OCCUPIED LIFEBOATS/RAFTS IN WATER. 2. LEANDER ASSUMED ON SCENE COMMAND 0510Z IN COMMS CHAN 16 WITH DOVER COASTGUARD, AND ON SCENE UNITS. 3. LEA UNDERTOOK SEARCH/RECOVERY SURVIVORS AND COORD, EUR GIVEN FIREFIGHTING TASK. OPERATION ASSISTED BY RAF MANSTON RESCUE HELO WITH BELGIAN SEA KING AND FRENCH ATLANTIQUE IN ATTENDENCE. 4. ALL ON SCENE UNIT WITH EXCEPTION LEA/EUR/RESCUE HELO RELEASED 0545Z. ALL FORTY FIVE AVE MARI CREWMEMBERS ACCOUNTED FOR AN RECOVERED ONBOARD LEA. FV MASTER SIGNED LLOYS OPEN FORM WITHOUT HESITATION. 5. AT 0530Z EUR COMMENCED FIGHTING MAJOR ENG RM FIRE AT STERN OF AVE MARIA, A (OPEN) HULLED LARGE FISHERIES MOTHER SHIP. 6. WEATHER IN AREA LIGHT WINDS, GOOD VIS, LOW SEA STATE. 7. 42 OF 43 SURVIVORS TRANSFERRED TO MV PATRICIA FOR DISEMBARKATION FELIXSTOWE. MASTER PLUS 2 REMAINED LEA/EUR. 8. TUG WATERLOOL (ALEXANDER TOWING COY GRAVESEND) ARRIVED 1030Z. 9. EUR ASSISTED BY LEA PERSONNEL CONTINUED FIREFIGHTING AND ACHIEVED CONTAINMENT BY ARRIVAL 1230Z FO MEDWAY SALVAGE OFFICER. 10 SALVAGE OFFICER ASSESSED FV FIT FOR TOW BY TUG WATERLOOK COMMENCED 1300Z TOWARDS HARWICH WITH EUR/LEA FIREFIGHTERS STILL EMBARKED. 11. LEA PASSED ON SCENE CDR DUTIES TO EUR 1310Z AND DETACHED NORTH EUR ORDERED REJOIN LEA AFTER SAFE ARRIVAL AVE MARIA OFF HARWICH. BT | ||
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| UU OO RBDHC RBDNEC RBDWC DE RBDFOWD 010 0501730 ZNR UUUUU O 071705Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDWC/MODUK NAVY BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUK FOR DMS(N) SALVO SITREP NUMBER 3 1. APPROACHING MARGATE ROADS. 2. NTENTION IS TO ANCHOR AVE MARIE THEN TAKE TUG WATERLOO ALONGSIDE TO ASSIST ON FINAL ASSAULT ON ENGINE ROOM FIRE. 3. EURYALUS FIRE FIGHTING TEAM WILL CONTINUE ONBOARD UNTIL FIRE IS OUT. 4. LATEST EFFORTS APPEAR TO BE SUCCEEDING AND SALVAGE OFFICER NOW CONSIDERS NO OTHER ASSISTANCE REQUIRED. 5. MASTER, FIRST MATE AND CHIEF ENGINEER REMAIN ONBOARD EURYALUS AND WILL PROBABLY LAND WITH SALVAGE OFFICER AND NEED TO JOIN REST OF CREW PRESENTLY BEING ORGANISED BY SEAMANS CLUB FELIXSTOWE (TEL 6599). BT TOD: 1747Z 7 SEP 82 WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| UU OO RBDNEC RBDWC RBDHC DE RBDFOWO 012 2502052 ZNR UUUUU O 072050Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUK FOR DMS(N) SALVO SITREP NUMBER 4 1. ANCHORED AVE MARIE 1930A 5C NORTH MARGATE PIER. 2. SINCE ANCHORING TUG WATERLOO HAS BEEN ALONGSIDE CASUALTY ASSISTING FIREFIGHTING WITH VESSEL SAFELY ANCHORED IN SHELTER OF MARGATE ROADS. ATTACK WITH FOAM AND AFFF HAS PROCEEDED WITH EARNEST. WOODEN HULL HAS UNDOUBTEDLY CONTRIBUTED TO PERSISTENT SMOULDERING AND FIRE. 3. ENGINE ROOK IS NOW TOPPED UP WITH FOAM AND REDUCTION IN FREEBOARD IS APPARENT HOWEVER IT IS NOT SERIOUS IN PRESENT CONDITIONS. 4. FIRE IS NOW EFFECTIVELY OUT BUT BATTENING DOWN OF HATCHES AND EFFORTS TO DISSAPATE HEAT CONTINUE. 5. IT IS LIKELY THAT IN VIEW OF PREVIOUS REIGNITION PROBLEMS THIS BATTENED DOWN CONDITIONS WILL BE MAINTAINED OVERNIGHT. 6. ANY CHANGE WILL BE SIGNALLED. BT TOD 2207Z 7 SEP 82 IBERLANT SHIP SHORE | ||
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| UU OO RBDNEC RBDHC RBDWC DE RBDFOWO 013 2502311 ZNR UUUUU O P -72210Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNFC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDWC/MODUK NAVY BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUK FOR DSM(N) SALVO SITREP NO 5 1. LATEST INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE SOURCE OF FIRE IN AFTER END OF ENGINE ROOM HAS STILL NOT BEEN SUCCESSFULLY EXTINGUISHED. 2. INTENTION NOW IS TO PUMP OUT TO IMPROVE STABILITY THEN RETACKLE SOURCE OF HEAT WITH AFFF. BT TOD 2322Z 7 SEP 82 VIA LEANDER S/S | ||
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| UU OO RBDNEC RBDWC RXFNKCF RBDHC DE RBDFOWO 001 2510721 ZNR UUUUU O 080720Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RXFNKCF/CTU 701.3.1 BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUKE FOR DMS(N) SALVO SITREP NO6 1/ FIRE CONTAINED TO SMALL BUT DIFFICULT AREA BETWEEN AFTER END OF ER AND TILLER FLAT AT 3/4 DECK LEVEL AND IS DEEP SEATED RESISTING CONTINUOUS FIRE FIGHTING EFFORTS. REIGNITION OCCURS WHENEVER ACCESS IS ATTEMPTED. LARGE AMOUNTS OF FOAM AND AFFF HAVE BEEN USED WITH TWO SUCTIONS IN ER TO CONTROL WATER LEVEL. COOLING TO REMAIANING AREAS HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE AND STURDY WOODEN HULL REMAINS INTACT AND SOUND. 2. SALVAGE OFFICER NOW INTENDS BEACHING VESSEL ABOUT 1000A ON INCOMING TIDE POSITION AS NEGOTIATED BY EURYALUS WITH DOVER COASTGUARD/THANET COUNCIL. AIM IS TO BE ABLE TO FIRE FIGHT WITHOUT STABILITY PROBLEMS. 3. TUG EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN REQUESTED FROM CHATHAM THROUGH DOVER COASTGUARD. 4. AFTER BEACHING AND ARRIVAL OF SUPPORT IN PARA 3 INTEND HANDING OVER OF ON SCENE COMMANDER TO SALVAGE OFFICER RECOVERING EURYALUES PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT THEN PROCEEDING ESTIMATE APPROX 1430A. 5. MASTER FIRST MATE AND CHIEF ENGINEER WILL BE LANDED AT MARGATE RECEPTION BEING ARRANGED BY DOVER COASTGUARD. 6. REQUEST CONCURRENCE WITH PARA 4. BT TOD 1227Z 8 SEP 82 | ||
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| UU PP RBDWC RBDEC RBDHC RBDNEC DE RBDFOWO 005 2511041 ZNR UUUUU P 081040Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY BT UNCLAS SIC I2C/ICJ/IXN MODUK NAVY FOR DNUT REF: QRRN 5144.1 1. REPORT FORWARDED IAW REFERENCE FOLLOWING SALVAGE OPERATION COMMENCED 070606Z SEP 82. A. MV AVE MARIA. PARCERIALF MARITIMA ESPERANGA LDA. AVEIRO PORTUGAL. FISH. B. FIREFIGHTING. C. ABANDONED 5133N 00206E. D. LLOYDS OPEN FORM SIGNED HEL BY LEANDER. E. NO BAIL OR SECURITY OFFERED. G. CO AND SHIPS COMPANY WISH TO CLAIM. H. YES. J. YES MR TC REID NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK HAYMARKET BRANCH. 2. REQUEST DNOT PASS TO TREASURY SOLICITOR. 3. COSALVERS LEANDER TUG WATERLOO. BT TOD 1215Z 8 SEP 82 MTL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| UU RR RBDIC DE RBDFOWO 007 25211137 ZNR UUUUU R 081054Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO COMMCEN WHITEHALL BT UNCLAS WARSHIP EURYALUS 93/96 8 1055 RNCWHI G - TO MR TC REID NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK 26 HAYMARKET LONDON SW1Y 4ER 1. BOARDED AND UNDERTOOK FIREFIGHTING OPERATION ON MV AVE MARIA. CARGO FISH. ABANDONED AND ON FIRE 5133N 00206E OPERATION COMMENCED 070606Z SEP 82. 2. VESSEL TAKEN IN TOW BY TUG WATERLOOK WITH EURYALUS BOARDING/FIREFIGHTING PARTY ON BOARD MV AVE MARTIA. VESSEL CURRENTLY LYING MARGATE ROADS. FIREFIGHTING OPERATIONS CONTINUE. 3. PORT OF REGISTRY AVEIRO PORTUGAL OWNERS PARCERIA MARITIMA ESPERANGA LDA. LLOYDS OPEN FORM SIGNED AND HELD BY HMS LEANDER IN COMPANY AT START OF OPERATION. 4. REQUEST TREASURY SOLICITOR ACT FOR ME. 5. LEANDER HAS INFORME3D HER SHIPS AGENT. COMMANDING OFFICER HMS EURYALU+ BT TOD 1220Z 8 SEP 82 MTL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| HH PP RBDNEC RBDWC RBDHC RBDEC RXFNKCF DE RBDFOWO 010 2511547 ZNY RRRRR P 081545Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDEC/CINCFLEET RXFNKCF/CTG 701.3 BT R E S T R I C T E D SIC LAL MODUK FOR DMS(N) 1. ON SCENE COMMANDER SALVAGE AVE MARIE CHOPPED TO FO MEDWAY SALVAGE OFFICER ONBOARD RMAS MASTIFF AT 081630A. 2. PROCEEDING TO REJOIN TU 701.3.1 BT TOD 1921 8 SEP 82 WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| UU PP RBDEC RBDNC RBDNEC RBDWC DE RBDFOWO 012 2511942 ZNR UUUUU P 081935Z SEP 82 FM HMS EURYALUS TO RBDNEC/FO MEDWAY INFO RBDWC/MODUK NAVY RBDNC/FO PLYMOUTH RBDEC/CINCFLEET BT UNCLAS SIC LAL MODUK NAVUY FOR DMS(N) BRIEF SUMMARY OF EVENTS FIREFIGHTING AND SALVAGE AVE MARIE. TIMES ALFA. 1. INITIAL EVENTS 070550 SEP MAYDAY RECEIVED 0626 SIGHTED AVE MARI POSN 5128N 00203E LEANDER ALLOCATED RECOVERY OF SURVIVORS TO LEANDER IMMEDIATE FIREFIGHTING TO EURYALUS 0640 FIREFIGHTING FROM EUYALUS FX WITH WATER HOSES STARTED 0652 MEO, CMEM(M) WINCHED TO CASUALTY DECK BY EUYALUS WASP 0706 BERTHING LINE PASSED F 0707 EURYALUS WHALER AND CHEVERTON TTANSFERRED ROVER GAS TURBINE BA PERSONNEL AND OTH3E REQUIPMENT TO CASUALTY. 2. SHIPS BOATS THEN MAINTAINED ALMOST CONINUOUS FERRYING OF EQUIPMENT STORES AND PERSONNEL. LEANDERS TEAM REINFORCED FIREFIGHTING PARTY. ROVER GAS LTURBINE WAS QUICKLY BROUGHT INTO ACTION AND REMAINED WORKING VIRTUALLY NON-STOP FOR NEXT 32 HOURS. HOSES FROM EURYALUS LED ACROSS INTO CASUALTY AND USED CONTINUOSLY FOR BOUNDARY COOLING FOR SIX HOURS ONLY BEING EDISCONNECTED WHEN TOW COMMENCED. 3. INITIAL ONSLAUGHT APPEARED SUCCESFUL BUT THEN BECAUSE CREW HAD VACATED QUICKLY LEAVING MOST SCREEN DOORS AND SCUTTLES OPEN FIRES RESTARTED AND IT BECAME APPARENT THAT A DEEPER PENETRATION OF SPACES WAS NECESSARY. A DETERMINED ATTACK REACHED THE ENGINE ROOM BUT WAS THEN DRIVEN BACK AND WITH NEW INGRESS OF OXYGEN FIRES INTENSIFIED. RENEWED ENERGETIC EFFORTS SUCCEEDED IN SEALING OFF AND CONFINING FIRE TO ER AND AFTER ACCOMMODATION AREAS. BOUNDARY COOLING AND FIRE FIGHTING CONTINUED BUT SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTS TO REENTER THE AREA WERE MET BY BLOW OUT AND FIREBALL. 4. AT 1230 DECISION WAS TAKEN TO USE TUG WATERLOO TO TOW CASUALTY INSHORE WITH FIREFIGHTING CONTINUING. ARRIVAL OF FO MEO - SALVAGE OFFICER AT 133- ENDORSED DECISION ADDING A REQUIREMENT TO BE NEAR BEACHING AREA. 5. AVE MARI WAS ANCHORED MARGATE ROADS AT 1855. FOAM AND WATER WERE FLOODED INTO AFFECTED AREA AND TWO SUCTION LINES ESTABLISHED TUG WATRLOO NOW SECURED ALONGSIDE WAS ABLE TO USE HER FULL FACILITIES FIREFIGHTING EFFORTS WERE REWARDED BY SUCCESS IN EXTINGUISHING ER FIRE AND ACCOMODATION AREA FIRE BUT IT IS SUSPECTED THAT THE SMOULDERING WOODEN HULL IN AREAS OF GREATEST HEAT RESISTED ALL EFFORTS. BEACHING AND FLOODING AREAS SEEN ONLY SOLUTION. 6. DURING EUYALUS FIREFIGHTING PERIOD 350 GALL OF DIESO WERE TRANSFERRED TO KEEP ROVER TURBINE OPERATING FOR 32 HOURS, 50 X 5 GALL DRUMS OF AFFF, 9 CO2 ESTINGUISHERS AND 60 BOTTLES WORTH OF AIR FOR BA EXPENDED. THE ENTHUSIASM OF FIREFIGHTERS AND OF THE SHIPS COMPANY IN SUPPORTING THEM WAS MOST ENCOURAGING AND LACK OF CASUALTIES A SOUND REFLECTION OF NAVAL FIREFIGHTING TRAINING. 7. THEIR TIMELY AN ENERGETIC FIREFIGHTING ACTIONS UNDOUBTEDLY REMOVED THE DANGER OF VESSEL SINKING IN A BUSY SHIPPING LANE MAKING EXPENSE OF OPERATION WELL WORTH WHILE THE SALVABLE VALUE OF VESSEL AND CARGO MAY NOT BE VERY GREAT. BT TOD 0905Z 9 SEP 82 WHITEHALL SHIP SHORE | ||
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| NAWS Y21S930 UU OO RDXFNKCF DE RBDNEC 083 2521140 ZNR UUUUU O R 091135Z SEP 82 FM FO MEDWAY TO RBDWVC/MODUK NAVY INFO RBDEC/CINCFLEET RBDHC/FO PLYMOUTH RXFNKCF/HMS EURYALUS BT UNCLAS SIC LAA/ICL DISTRESS AVE MARIA ITREP NO 8 1. VESSEL RFEMAINS ANCHORED OFF MARGATE. KINLOSS MASTIFF AND WATERLOOL IN ATTENDANCE. FIRE IN ENGINE ROOM ECTRINGUISHED BUT STILL SMOULDERING IN STORE COMPARTMENTS FORWARD OF ER. BEING FOUGHT AND CONTAINED BY NAVAL FIRE PARTY. EXCHANGE OF NAVAL PERSONNEL ACCOMPLISHED THIS MORNING. 2. CARGO IN NO 3 HOLD BELIEVE PARTLY CONTAMINATED BY FOAM AND WATER CONDITION OF REMAINING CARGO NOT KNOWN BUT ASSESSED AS REASONABLE. RESEARCH BY TREASURY SOLICITOR INDICATES VALUE OF CARGO COULD IN REGION OF THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND POUNDS. 2. SALVO CONSIDERS UNADVISABLE FOR VESSEL TO REMAIN PRESENT ????OSED ANCHORAGE FOR LONGER THAN ESSENTIAL. IF DISPOSAL ARRANEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN AGREED BETWEEN TREASURY SOLICITOR AND OWNERS BY 191600A INTEND BERTHING VESSEL AT CHATHAM NAVAL BASE (COLLIER DOCK) AT 1?0600A. MEDWAY PORTS AUTHORITY AGREES. 3. ADVANTAGE OF THIS COURSE OF ACTION ARE AS FOLLOWS A. FIRE COULD BE FINALLY ETINGUISHED BY FLOODING WITHOUT RISK OF LOSING VESSEL. B. CARGO COULD BE DISCHARGED FOR SALE AT MINIMUM COST. C. MOD WOULD AVOID COSTS OF HARBOUR DUES PILOTAGE ETC WHICH WOULD ARISE IF VESSEL WAS BERTHED ELSEWHERE. BT TOR 1415Z 9 SEP 82 Y21S | ||