View of the multipurpose barge Waasland lying alongside the Prince of Wales pier ready to commence cutting the Spanish Prince down to give a clearance of 8.5 metres. She was partially filled with concrete prior to sinking her in position so one imagines that the reason for not removing the whole caboodle is that the bottom of the holds are a solid concrete block which would be a major job to break up and remove.
From the salvage contractors: "Herbosch Kiere Marine Contractors Ltd has recently been awarded two contracts by Dover Harbour Board. The first contract to be undertaken in June, is the salvage and partial removal of the blockship "Spanish Prince", an ex cargoship which was scuttled by the Admiralty during the first World War and lies to the east of the Western Entrance in the Outer Harbour of the Port . She was moved to her present position in the 1930's, the bow is close to the Southern Breakwater and a wreck buoy can be seen marking the stern. To improve access to the port for the new larger ferries and cruise ships, Dover Harbour Board decided the blockship needed to be removed. Herbosch Kiere will use our multi purpose barge Waasland and speciality lifting and cutting equipment for this contract, the ship will be cut up in situ before being raised from the sea bed."
Have added this photo full size to my fotopic collection on the Western Entrance Blockships, address below. This subject seems to have a fascination for a great number of folk as the collection has been viewed countless times, with the multi-beam sonar picture alone having attracted 1,357 views!
http://shipsintheportofdover.fotopic.net/c1193631.html
