Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Lara-1

The sunken Irish cutter 'Aztec-S12', registered at 23.95 gt (CS: EU2534) and originating from Skibbereen in West Cork, has been successfully recovered after sinking on January 11, 2021, off the coast of Duncannon in the Waterford Estuary, Wexford County. On January 30, 2023, the floating crane 'Lara 1' undertook the challenging salvage operation, aided by the Irish tug 'Ocean Supporter' (MMSI: 250005038). The recovery efforts were extensive, necessitating a decontamination process before transporting the wreck to New Ross Shipyard in Waterford for repairs. This process involved the disposal of two tons of diesel and 15 tons of decayed fish—a significant challenge compounded by spring tides and limited visibility that hampered divers' efforts. The recovery operation commenced at 8:30 a.m. on January 30 and concluded at 8:30 p.m., involving five divers, the Coast Guard, naval officers, and 15 crew members from both the floating crane and the tug. The 'Aztec-S12', which tragically sank due to a leak while fishing, had its four-person crew rescued by another nearby cutter, with the RNLI boat from Dunmore East also responding to the distress call. This operation marks an important milestone in maritime safety and environmental responsibility.

On November 9, 2020, the crane ship 'Lara 1' accomplished the challenging task of recovering the 19-meter landing craft 'Tiffany of Melfort,' which had been lost at sea during Storm Aiden. This vessel, owned by Kames—a trout farming company based in Kilmelford near Oban—had broken free from its moorings close to a fish farm in Loch Pooltiel and was swept away by fierce winds reaching up to 80 miles per hour. Initially believed to have drifted between Skye and the Shiants, the Stornoway Coastguard issued warnings to other vessels due to the navigational hazard posed by the lost craft. Divers identified the sunken 'Tiffany of Melfort' off the Shiant Isles, east of Harris, on November 2. The vessel, which had been launched just two years prior at a cost of £1.1 million from Exeter Fabrications, was discovered in a damaged state, having been driven onto rocks with its hull severely compromised. North West Marine was tasked with the salvage operation. After an initial inspection by divers, the recovery effort began with the assistance of the 'Paul B,' a workboat based in Tarbert, Harris. Due to extensive damage, which rendered towing impossible due to multiple leaks in the hull, the 'Tiffany of Melfort' was ultimately raised and placed on the deck of the 'Lara 1.' Unfortunately, much of the trout harvesting equipment associated with the vessel is presumed lost in the waters of the Minks. Following the recovery operation, the 'Lara 1' anchored near Ardnamurchan while awaiting improved weather conditions to transport the landing craft to the James Watt Dock in Greenock for thorough inspection. Concurrently, divers from Leco Marine were deployed to search the sinking site for debris, pollutants, and damage to the surrounding marine environment. For further insights and photographs, check out these links: [Fish Farming Expert](https://www.fishfarmingexpert.com/article/sunken-workboat-lifted-on-to-salvage-ship/) and [We Love Stornoway](https://www.welovestornoway.com/index.php/articles-auto-3/18543-sunken-vessel-raised-off-shiants).