EFFORTS to remove a sunken river dredge known as a “dragga” from the main channel of a section of the Mazaruni River are ongoing, as key elements of the vessel were being removed on Thursday.This publication had reported in July that the partially submerged vessel was left hanging by its owners several weeks ago near the Piereemap Falls, creating worry for boat operators , mainly “jet boats “ which traverse the waterway ferrying passengers and cargo on a daily basis.

Reports on Thursday indicate that the works undertaken included the use of blow-torches to cut parts of the sunken dredge, including lavradors (a mechanical machine used in mining) which are stuck under water. The vessel is owned by Crown Mining Supplies of North Road in the city. In photographs seen by this newspaper on Thursday, operators were working from a pontoon which the Natural Resources Ministry noted recently, was built specifically to float-up the partially sunken dredge.
Reports from persons on the ground indicate that the works were being hampered by the strong river current in the vicinity of the sunken vessel.
A press release from the Ministry of Natural Resources several days ago stated that the agency is currently engaged with a mining company to remove the vessel. The release further explained that the pontoon has three hydraulic winches and measures 28 feet wide and 68 feet long and 4 feet deep. It has 18 compartments. The plan is to fill the pontoon with water and then secure it to the sunken barge.
The water will then be pumped out of the pontoon and this will cause it to rise up, taking the “Dragga” with it. The pontoon when empty will have a lifting capacity of 180 tonnes. However, while the crew is onsite attempting to execute this plan, the speed of the water at the top of the Piereemap Falls, coupled with a prolonged rainy season, is making things difficult as the works entail the cutting of lavradors under water. The ministry will continue to monitor the situation in collaboration with the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD), the release added.