Salvage of USS Mazapeta Tug

Our team at Power was hired to provide crucial heavy lift and diving support for the salvage of the USS Mazapeta Tug in the San Joaquin Delta. Weighing 280-tons, the USS Mazapeta, a Woban Class Naval District Tug built in 1942, had sunk alongside another vessel and began leaking oil into the surrounding waterway, requiring immediate attention to remove it from the depths.

Engaging in both heavy lift and diving operations, our team demonstrated expertise in overcoming numerous challenges inherent in such salvage missions. Working under a contract organized by the United States Coast Guard and executed by Parker Diving Services, Power played a vital role as a subcontractor, providing essential equipment and crews for the operation.

The scope of our involvement included mobilizing our DB Pacific, a 250-ton derrick barge, along with a modular barge assembly, crew boats, push boats, multiple pumps, and employing round-the-clock rolling shifts with a full barge crew and ADCI dive teams.

To support parbuckling, effectively up righting the sunken vessel, our dive teams performed a range of tasks, including exothermic cutting and welding of steel members, and setting four 115-ton steel gator laid slings. With the rigging secured, the DB Pacific righted the capsized tug. Following this achievement, the vessel was patched and dewatered, successfully refloating the vessel and subsequently recovering 26,000 gallons of mixed fuel oils.

Once the salvage operation was complete, the vessel was dead ship towed to Mare Island for disposal. Throughout the project, our collaborative efforts showcased our commitment to quality and efficiency in salvage operations, ultimately contributing to the successful recovery of the USS Mazapeta.