Br.Ant.Territory : Poaching Vessel to be Scuttled
Submitted by (Juanita Brock) 30.08.2005 (Article Archived on 13.09.2005)

The long-liner, ElQui, that was convicted of illegal fishing in South Georgia waters, will be scuttled as soon as possible, according to H.E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce.

POACHING VESSEL TO BE SCUTTLED

By J. Brock (FINN)

The long-liner, ElQui, that was convicted of illegal fishing in South Georgia waters, will be scuttled as soon as possible, according to H.E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce.  It has been previously announced by the South Georgia Government that ElQui would never fish again and alternatives were being discussed about the ElQui’s disposal.  It was further decided that the vessel would never be of any commercial use.

The South Georgia Government will be licensed to scuttle the ElQui in Falklands waters.

In preparation for the scuttling the ship has been thoroughly cleaned, including  the removal from the vessel of all hydraulic fluids, fuel, engine lubricating oils, paints, batteries, fishing and other associated gear, loose domestic equipment, refrigerant and welding gases, pyrotechnics and medical drugs.  All of these items have been safely disposed of ashore in the Falkland Islands.    The galley has been thoroughly cleaned to remove cooking oils, and all food and other waste has been removed and burnt, as well as life rafts and other loose materials.  An old binnacle compass and other objects of interest have been offered to the Stanley Museum.

Falklands Conservation and the Marine Officer have been fully consulted  about the clean-up and are content that when the vessel is scuttled it will not cause any adverse environmental impact or hazard to shipping.  

The ElQui had been berthed alongside FIPASS for several months.  Due to an Executive Council decision, berthing fees were waived.