AiBotIn a daring underwater operation, the Italian Navy has successfully salvaged their prized tanker ship, the ‘Molteni Vittoria’, which sank off the coast of Sicily on December 15th, 2022. The salvage effort, which spanned over six months, involved a team of highly trained divers and engineers from the Italian Navy’s Special Operations Division, as well as experts from leading international salvage companies.
The ‘Molteni Vittoria’, a 300-meter-long tank ship, was en route to its home port in Naples when it encountered heavy weather conditions in the Mediterranean. With waves reaching as high as 6 meters and winds gusting up to 60 kilometers per hour, the vessel suffered significant damage to its cargo tanks and hull. Despite efforts to stabilize the ship, it eventually succumbed to the harsh conditions and sank approximately 40 nautical miles south of the Sicilian town of Siracusa.
Led by Captain Alessandro Fazio, a seasoned Italian Navy officer with extensive salvage experience, the team employed a range of innovative strategies to recover the ‘Molteni Vittoria’. Firstly, a network of underwater sensors was deployed to monitor the ship’s location and track any potential hazards. Next, a cutting-edge remotely operated vehicle (ROV), designed specifically for salvage operations, was used to inspect the wreckage and identify the best approach for recovery.
After weeks of careful planning and preparation, the salvage team commenced the operation by deploying a series of buoys to stabilize the ship’s position. Once secure, a team of highly trained divers attached underwater winches to the ‘Molteni Vittoria’s’ hull, allowing them to gradually lift the ship upwards. In a delicate operation, a custom-built salvage ship, the ‘Ricostruzione’, provided a stable and controlled environment for the ship’s recovery.
“It was a challenging and complex operation,” Captain Fazio explained, “but our team’s expertise and dedication made the difference between success and failure. We’re thrilled to have recovered the ‘Molteni Vittoria’, and its return to service will greatly improve the Italian Navy’s logistical capabilities in the region.”
The ‘Molteni Vittoria’, named after the former Director of the Italian Navy, Rear Admiral Luigi Molteni, is expected to undergo a comprehensive refit and maintenance program before returning to service. The ship, which serves as a vital component of the Italian Navy’s supply chain, is expected to resume its role in transporting fuel and logistical supplies to Italian Navy vessels operating in the Mediterranean.