There is a lot of work ahead to salvage the Golden Ray. Over two weeks ago it capsized in the St. Simons Sound.
After rescuing all crew members onboard the Golden Ray, the attention turns to salvaging the ship and protecting the nearby environment.
The Coast Guard and salvage crews spoke about their operations on Friday.
The Coast Guard and salvage companies involved say mitigating the pollution is a difficult process but they’re doing it cautiously to minimize environmental impacts.
Oiling and sheen have been spotted in several areas around St. Simons Island in the weeks following the capsizing of the Golden Ray.
It’s causing concern for fishermen like Will Higginson.
“I think everyone’s concerned, I probably wouldn’t eat the sea life until they assure it’s all safe,” Higginson said.
On Friday, the Unified Command team said there’s still a lot of fuel onboard the Golden Ray.
“There’s a total of 24 tanks, they removed fuel from two of those tanks," Graff said. "I believe the number is 15,500 gallons, that number is a moving target because it’s ongoing.”
The other 22 tanks inside and outside the engine room cannot be accessed according to Graff.
Graff is part of Gallagher Marine Systems, he is speaking for the responsible party of the accident, which includes shipowners Hyundai Glovis.
Graff also said the cargo area can’t be accessed, so the status of the cars onboard and any fuel they might carry is unknown.
All pollutants must be removed first in order for the salvage operation to be deemed successful.
“Wait until we get the fuel off then we can do a complete survey in the data collection," Graff said. "Then they’ll have the best plan on how to remove the vessel.”
Spectators like Higginson is hopeful the teams can salvage the ship quickly and safely.
“I know everyone’s doing their best to remove the oil, gas and cars," he said. "It’s not going to be an easy task."
If anyone finds pollution, they are encouraged to call the National Response Center at (800) 424-8802.
At this time, the Port of Brunswick remains open to one-way traffic.
Other updates on the Golden Ray can be found on the Unified Command Center’s website.