Salvage Operation for Afina-I: A Tale of Intrigue and Resilience

The bulk carrier Afina-I has become the focal point of a complex salvage operation following its collision with another bulk carrier, the 'Kiveli,' west of Kythira island on March 13, 2021. As details of the incident continue to unfold, it highlights the vulnerabilities and challenges faced during maritime navigation.The collision occurred while both vessels were navigating in opposite directions, resulting in significant damage to the hull of the Afina-I. Immediate efforts were made to prevent the ship from sinking; the two vessels remained coupled to mitigate water ingress from the breach. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the 24 crew members on the Afina-I, who hailed from various countries including Georgia and the Philippines.In the days following the incident, a salvage company, Lyboussakis Salvage & Towage, initiated operations to separate the two entangled vessels. Their main concern was the severity of the hole on the port side of the Afina-I, which raised fears that separation could lead to catastrophic sinking. On March 14, the salvage team successfully disentangled the ships, managing to tow them to calmer waters at Neapoli Voion Anchorage while investigations into the cause of the collision began.As of March 28, the situation has further developed. The focus has shifted to lightering operations involving the Afina-I's cargo, which sustained the most severe damage. A barge equipped with a mobile crane was deployed to offload iron ore onto lighters, lifting the vessel to reduce water ingress. Meanwhile, the Kiveli has remained attached to keep the breach sealed, assisted by tugs including 'Vernicos Sifnos' and 'Hermes,' who have been instrumental in stabilizing both vessels during this precarious salvage operation. The barges are operating in the Vatika Bay at coordinates 36° 30.01' N 023° 0.14' E, emphasizing the logistical complexity of the endeavor.This incident not only underscores the risks inherent in maritime transport but also showcases the resilience and quick action of salvage teams and authorities in preserving life and preventing environmental disaster. As investigations proceed and salvage efforts continue, the maritime community is keenly observing the operational and regulatory lessons learned from the Afina-I collision.