It has taken ten days for the bulk carrier Marine Stars (built 2006) to be refloated after a successful operation conducted by salvor Vernicos, in Oinousses, a small Greek island. Aided by two support vessels – Alexander 3 (built 1991) and Ifestos 2 (built 1980) - the almost fully loaded 53,565-dwt vessel was back in business without any mechanical problems. A spokesperson from Vernicos said that there was no environmental pollution during the operation, which “was very difficult given that it was close to a tourist beach and fish farms.”
"MV Marine Stars had run aground off Oinousses, near Chios island, last week with its forepeak sinking to 30 metres.
The 5,750-dwt MV Flinterrachel (built 2009) was tipped as the unit hired to unload some of the refloated bulker’s grain. The total cost of the project was not disclosed. The estimated value of the cargo is around $30m."