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Displaying items by tag: dredger refloated

Since a dramatic rescue in Drogheda Port with the re-floating of the hopper-dredger Hebble Sand from sinking in the River Boyne recently, no repairs have been carried out, writes the Drogheda Independent.

In addition there is no indication given as to when the almost 60 year-old dredger will be moved.

Fergus O’Dowd, the local T.D. has received correspondence from Louth County Council's environmental department, who have been overseeing developments in the process.

“What I have been told is, to date, no repairs have been made to the boat. They are currently monitoring the level of water in the boat to make sure the boat stays afloat and upright,” said Deputy O’Dowd.

“Tanks and pumps are due down during the week to remove diesel fuel from the vessel fuel tank and empty bilges. The contractor was on-site yesterday to make an initial assessment of equipment required. Once this is removed the repairs will be carried out with the aid of divers to make the vessel safe”.

The installation of double booms at the river berth still remain in place to contain residual diesel.

For more on the operation (click here) on the dredger that Afloat adds was built in 1963 to originally serve UK ports. 

 

Published in Drogheda Port

About the Watersports Inclusion Games

The Watersports Inclusion Games are an award-winning event organised by Irish Sailing with partners from across the watersports sector, that enable people of all abilities from the physical, sensory, intellectual and learning spectrums to take to the water to participate in a wide range of water activities.

More than 250 people with physical, sensory, intellectual and learning disabilities typically take part in the weekend's events.

Participants will have the opportunity to try more sports than ever before, with an expanded range including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boarding, rowing, surfing, water skiing and powerboating all on offer.

The Games typically take place each August.

The organisers of the Games want to let people of all abilities know that there are multiple watersports available to them, and to encourage more people from all backgrounds to get involved and out on the water regardless of ability. They aim to highlight that any barriers faced by people with disabilities can be eliminated.

There are social, health and wellness benefits associated with sailing and all watersports. These include improved muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular fitness and increased agility, enhanced spatial awareness, greater mental wellness through the balancing of serotonin levels and the lowering of stress levels, improved concentration and the forging of positive relationships.