Watch: Delicate operation to refloat tanker nears conclusion

A delicate operation to refloat a small tanker that has been grounded on Qawra?Point since February is entering its final stages.
The 885-tonne Hephaestus?was thrown onto the rocks at Fra?Ben in a vicious storm on February 10. The crew managed to disembark safely and no significant pollution was caused since the vessel was empty.
The ship has since become something of an attraction for visitors.?
The operation to refloat it, being carried out by Cassar?Ship Repair, started in May with a detailed assessment of the vessel. Underwater damage to the hull was then plugged.
Small slipways have been placed under the hull and the ship is being gently pushed back into the sea by hydraulic jacks and pulled by a tug boat.? Once afloat, the vessel will be towed to the contractor's ship repair facility in Marsa.
Transport Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority are monitoring the operation.
Video above is by Raniero Borg (Raniero's?Adventures)??https://www.facebook.com/RanierosAdventures/videos/1897065193923454/
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