LA ROCHELLE 01 December 2006 – The ro-ro container vessel Rokia Delmas, which
ran aground at the Ile de Ré, on the French Atlantic coast, on 24
October has been declared total loss by its owner, CMA CGM, and its
insurers. The Atlantic Prefecture could not say how long lightening
operations would continue or when the wreck would be removed. "CMA CGM
remains the owner of the ship and is still responsible for its removal,
but the insurance companies will cover all the costs related to
lightening and removal," the Prefecture added in a communiqué. The Rokia
Delmas is said to be badly damaged, with a 20-m crack in the hull,
severe deformation of shell plating on port side and water in many
places on board. "The cost of repairs and removal of the ship now
clearly exceed the ship's value hence the declaration of total loss," a
spokesman from the Prefecture explained. The wreck's future is
uncertain. The Prefect has ruled out demolition on site, but some
cutting will be necessary to enable the cargo to be completely removed.
So far, only the cargo stored on the weather deck has been removed and
lightening operations are currently waiting for better weather
conditions. The Rokia Delmas ran aground while approaching La Pallice
after a loss of power. All fuel contained on board has been safely
removed. The vessel is carrying 10,000 tonnes of harmless cargo.