The operation to remove the wreck of the cargo ship MV Carrier, which ran aground near Llanddulas, North Wales, was completed this week.

It has taken contractors, PGC, less than six weeks to remove the wreck and all scrap materials from the vessel have now been removed from the site. However residual work to make the site, and immediate surrounding area, safe for public use will need completion. Speed restrictions on the A55 will remain in place and the cycle path closed until a full safety assessment is made next week.

Although there was a small release of diesel fuel at the time of the incident, tests conducted on marine life, mussels and starfish from various locations by the Environment Agency Wales have been analysed throughout the operation and have found no traces of contamination.

The vessel was carrying a cargo of limestone and had bunkers onboard of 40,000 litres of marine diesel fuel at the time of the incident. Holyhead Coastguard coordinated the rescue of the seven crewmen who were airlifted from the ship by a navy and RAF helicopter.

Although the A55 was closed when the vessel first beached, North Wales Police were able to quickly re-open it and it remained open throughout the clear-up operation.

Colin Mulvana, Deputy to the Secretary of States Representative for Maritime Salvage and Intervention said

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Environment Agency Wales, North Wales Police and local authorities have worked with the salvage contractors, PGC Demolition to ensure that the wreck has been removed with minimal pollution and disruption.

Dave Edwell, from Environment Agency Wales added:

Our officers have been on site over the last four weeks working closely with the contractors to oversee the demolition and to make sure the local environment is protected. Fortunately, the environmental impact of this incident has been minimal, and this is a result of the swift action taken by all agencies and contractors involved.

ACC Pritchard, North Wales Police praised the excellent working relationships between the multi-agency working group set up to managing the salvage of the MV Carrier and was pleased the operation was completed ahead of schedule and with minimal impact locally. Safety remains a priority however and ACC Pritchard asked the closure of the cycle path and speed restrictions be observed until the site is fully reopened.