Blackpool ferry staying put!THERE is no hope of moving the beached ferry Riverdance off Blackpool's beach this week.
Salvage workers had been expecting to refloat the ferry during high tides in the next few days.
But Coastguard officials today admitted the 6,000 ton vessel is here to stay – as its condition is too poor for the operation to take place.
A spokesman said: "The operation to refloat the Riverdance will certainly not be taking place this week.
"Ongoing work on the vessel means the salvage team will not be in a position to carry out the procedure for at least two weeks."
Coastguard officials are working to ensure the public safety as they are anticipating large crowds when the refloating does take place.
A spokesman said: "An outline traffic management plan is being discussed between Lancashire Police and the local authorities for the refloating operation.
"A number of road closures and restrictions will be put in place at that time and the plan will be implemented for the period covering the refloat."
The vessel, which was en-route from Northern Ireland to Heysham when it was struck by a freak wave earlier this month, remains in a precarious position on the sands between Anchorsholme and Cleveleys.
A Coastguard spokesman said: "The main cargo deck, lower hold, engine room and steering gear room are currently interconnected and therefore flood with the tide.
"The watertight integrity of the hull is subject to further investigation by salvors."
Over the weekend fuel and oil continued to be removed from the Seatruck ferry and the most vulnerable tanks are now empty.
Technicians working to pump oil off the ship have been assisted by the severe list, which has made the tanks easier to access.
BallastOperations will now concentrate to stabilise the vessel by making the hull watertight and transferring water ballast to reduce the list.
Salvage teams are also continuing to remove lorries from the main deck of the Riverdance and the public are being urged to stay away from the wreck.
A Coastguard spokesman said: "Work continues on the further removal of a number of trailers from the main deck, but efforts are being hampered by the tide levels at low water which is restricting the safe working time on scene."
The full article contains 396 words and appears in Blackpool Gazette newspaper.Last Updated: 19 February 2008 8:47 AM
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