Today 0600 early morning of 11 March together with yachties here in SALVADOR on the pontoon and 4 big pumps we saved the yacht Swan Lake from Delaware, to go down, the water just reached the top of the benches.

While pumping the caretaker called the owner to ask where the valves were, but I didn't wait for it as boats in general have same systems, so started feeling underwater where valves were and closed them, also a diver went down with plugs to plug any hole he found as an extra precaution, in case we didn't find one.

Soon the water went down and we found the problem, which was a filter cover in the forward compartment, which due to  grevich corrosion a bolt came off and the lid flipped open with a 1 1/2 inch gush of water flowing in.

Although both big bilge pumps where running, they could not cope with the inrush of water, and when the batteries flooded and shorted all out, it went fast.

Skippers should not leave there boats behind with all valves open as a little 8mm bold might sink it, also it can be wise to leave a note where to find all sea inlet and outlet valves for others in his absence to close them, in this kind of emergencies.

My advises where followed at once and saving items and equipment, started while still pumping.

The caretaker mobilized extra people, so immediately after we started flushing the interior with fresh water and disassembling alternators and motors to flush them with fresh water, the engine although completely under, appeared not to have flodded, advice was given how to deal with it.

UPDATE email from Noonsite:

Dear Lucas,

Thank you for notifying us of the oil spill in Las Palmas harbour.

We have been in touch with Las Palmas Port Authority and the correct
procedure for yachts affected is as follows:

1. Request a claim form from the Marina Office.
2. Complete and submit form to the Claims Department of the Port Authority; this can be done via the Marina Office or by going direct to the main Port Authority Building.
3. The Port Authority will register and acknowledge claim.
4. Claimant will be asked to submit an estimate for repairs/remedial work.
5. The Port Authority will then make a collective claim against the offending oil company.
6. After assesment claims will be paid.
   

As I am sure you are aware, this is a time consuming process, and it may
be a long time before any claims are paid.

Whilst I have been told 30 claims have been submitted to the Marina
Office, only 9 have so far been registered at the Claims Department. If
the writer has submitted a claim at the Marina Office they should go
back and make sure it is delivered to the Claims Department.

I am told an insurance assesor went around the anchorage looking at the
damage on Friday.

I hope this helps.

We will shortly post a report on this, and I would appreciate an update
from you as to if/when the oil has been cleaned up.

Many thanks,
Kind regards,

Sue Richards
Site Manager
noonsite