Boka-Glacier Connects to Barge Salvage Efforts Amidst Turbulent Weather

Boka-Glacier, the tug involved in the recent grounding incident, faced significant challenges during Storm Darragh, which led to a barge, the 'AMT Challenger', breaking loose. The barge went aground on the beach of Sotteville-sur-Mer on December 8, 2024, causing a substantial maritime salvage operation that unfolded over the ensuing weeks. Despite the valiant attempts by the tug 'Abeille Horizon' to assist in towing during the storm, it wasn't until December 28 that the 'AMT Challenger' was successfully refloated by the salvage ship 'Multrasalvor 5'. This operation was crucial, as the barge had been stranded on the Normandy coast for nearly three weeks, with salvage efforts temporarily suspended due to adverse weather conditions between December 19 and 22. The initial delays were compounded by forecasted northerly winds and strong swells that hindered salvage operations, prompting local authorities in Veules-les-Roses, Sotteville-sur-Mer, and Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer to issue beach ban orders. Following its successful refloat, the 'AMT Challenger' departed from Le Havre on January 10, under tow of the tug 'En Avant 26', on a journey to Gdansk where it is scheduled for repairs. The anticipated arrival in Gdansk was set for January 18, marking a crucial phase in returning the barge to operational status for its owner, the Maltese firm Augustea Maritime Transportation. This series of events underscores not only the challenges of maritime logistics posed by severe weather but also the critical role of tugboats like the Boka-Glacier in navigating such difficulties.