The dredger salvage operation off Armona has been suspended due to unsettled sea conditions but is expected to resume in a week’s time.
Olhão port captain, Nunes Ferreira, said the contractor has had a few problems and already has ruined two large floatation balloons during attempts to right the capsized vessel.
The dredger’s fuel is still in its tank but there has been little leakage, a situation that is being monitored by the Maritime Police and the port authority.
There remains a 500 metre exclusion zone around the capsized vessel.
Work should restart on the last day of January with the contractor’s team due to devise a new plan for the righting of the dredger.
UPDATE: 26 February.
One month later the dredger is still in the middle of the Ria Formosa.
