Castries – April 20, 2010 – The Saint Lucia Air and Sea Ports Authority (SLASPA) today announced the successful completion of the fuel removal process on the Antiguan registered,cargo vessel MV Angeln which encountered difficulties on February 21, 2010 and later submerged approximately two nautical miles from Port Vieux Fort. SLASPA has now begun discussions with vessel owners, Brise Bereederberum of Hamburg Germany on the wreck removal process.

“The removal of hydrocarbons was completed on April 01, 2010 by US-based Salvage company, Titan Salvage. This phase of the project was declared completed after a team from SLASPA witnessed the gauging of the recovered hydrocarbons in the tanks of the Pacific Seal, one of the  vessels commissioned to undertake this activity. All recovered hydrocarbons have been shipped to Puerto Rico where it has been disposed” explained Christopher Alexander, Director of Maritime Affairs. “Given that protection of seafarers and marine life remains a priority of both SLASPA and the vessel owners, the owners have contracted the services of a consultant to conduct an environmental impact assessment to examine the effectiveness of this process,” continued Alexander.

With this critical stage completed, SLASPA has begun discussions with the vessel owners on the next phase which is the wreck removal process. “As the agency with responsibility for the regulation and control of navigation within the limits of St. Lucia’s Ports, we have issued a Wreck Removal Order and are currently in negotiations with the vessel owners who are responsible for the removal of the wreck. Several methodologies are being discussed, but have not been finalized as we want to ensure that the national interest of St. Lucia continues to be protected.” said Ben Emmanuel, Senior Director, Corporate Services and Administration.

Meanwhile, SLASPA has declared the area around the wreck as a “Restricted Diving Zone”. “Safety of Seafarers is important to us, we are therefore requesting the cooperation of the public by refraining from diving in this location unless permission has been granted by SLASPA,” said Christopher Alexander.

As the agency with responsibility for St. Lucia’s ports of entry and maritime sector, SLASPA remains committed to navigational safety as well as the protection of seafarers and the Marine Environment and will therefore continue to work closely with other local agencies in executing this responsibility. In addition, SLASPA will continue to provide periodic updates to stakeholders and the general public.