Vanguard II Recovery Operation

Vanguard II Recovery Operation

Vanguard II Recovery Operation

The wreck of the Vanguard II has been removed from its position at the Great Orme by Conwy's Harbour Team and salvage contractors UIMS from Barmouth.

Conwy Harbour Master, Matt Forbes, explains: “As there were multiple holes in the vessel’s hull, it was floated using six large air bags and winched off the rocks using the harbour mooring vessel.

“The remote location presented logistical challenges, as all the equipment had to be brought to the site by sea. The operation needed a combination of high tides and calm weather.  A good forecast on Friday meant the team worked hard through the week to rig the chains necessary to hold the airbags in place in time.

“Despite leaving Conwy at 5am on Friday, the wreck was rigged with only minutes to spare on the rising tide. The divers worked wearing dry suits in 23 degrees to retrieve airbags from the water before attaching them to the chains.

“The wreck was then towed back to a beach in Conwy Harbour for disposal - its final voyage.”