The ongoing salvage operation of the Costa Concordia was delayed today as one of the 19 pontoons attached to the ship’s side collapsed. No injuries were reported due to the collapse.
The pontoon, which had been welded to the Concordia’s side earlier this month, would assist in raising the ship out of the water with the assistance of the additional 18 pontoons. The pontoon was reportedly located underwater, but damaged a number of support structures upon collapsing.
The 19 pontoons are designed to be filled with water at a later date, which will create enough flotation to raise the Costa Concordia completely out of the water. Once the Costa Concordia is raised out of the water, the ship will be transferred aboard the supercarrier, Dockwise Vanguard. The carrier would then transfer the Costa Concordia to a currently undisclosed scrapyard.
Salvage crews and Italian officials are currently to replace the pontoon and restabilize the ship so that the salvage operation can continue. Officials have stated the delay should be short and the salvage operation will resume on Wednesday.
