Just over a month after the 55ft long MMV Ostrea sank in the River Foyle, a salvage effort has recovered the vessel.

The vessel, which was discovered with a serious list on the morning of December 15, sank in a matter of hours. No one was on board at the time.

Ostrea was being used as a scientific research vessel and was reportedly equipped with biological and geophysical survey equipment for use in fisheries assessments.

The boat was insured for £1.8m, and a spokesperson for the Loughs Agency confirmed that the salvage operation and investigation into the cause of the incident was being managed by the group’s insurance company.

Ostrea was towed from Foyle Marina, where it sank, to the Londonderry port last week.

16 December 2015

Loughs Agency, the fisheries management and conservation Cross border Government Body, has opened a investigation after their 55-ft long boat, the The MMV Ostrea, was found submerged in water at Foyle Marina on Tuesday 15 December.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue were at the scene and tried to stop it from sinking further by using ropes.

It’s still unclear how the MMV Ostrea, which is used by the Loughs Agency to dredge the Foyle riverbed, sank. No passengers were onboard.

A spokesperson for the Loughs Agency said:

“Just after 8am this morning the Loughs Agency were made aware that our research vessel the MMV Ostrea was partially submerged at the Foyle Marina.

“We immediately implemented our emergency response plan including the deployment of a boom, although there are currently no signs of pollution.

“All the relevant agencies have been informed and we are working with the appropriate specialists to investigate the cause and to float the vessel.”

John Pollock, Chief Executive at Loughs Agency added: “Thankfully there were no crew on board at the time.

“We will be completing a thorough investigation to determine how this happened.”