According to Willie Prosser of Novaship, agents for the Kolmanskop, the fate of the vessel is now in the hands of the owners, Glomar Fisheries, and their insurance company.

Indications from reliable sources in the industry, however, are that the Kolmanskop will most likely not be salvaged.

The ship is tightly wedged between rocks in shallow water, and the rocks have punched holes in the hull.

Judging by rough calculations made by an operator in the shipping industry, who wants to remain anonymous, the potential cost of a salvage attempt would probably outweigh the estimated value of the vessel.

The Kolmanskop was moored at Walvis Bay when strong winds caused it to break loose from its anchor.

Wind and currents swept the vessel northwards to where it ran aground at the popular fishing and crayfishing spot Vierkantklip.

Since then the fuel tanks have been pumped empty and all equipment have been removed with the help of divers from Walvis Bay Diving and Launch Services.

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