RMS MEDIA RELEASE - Community urged to keep clear of trawler salvage at Bermigui

[mrsswordfisherman]

   24 NOVEMBER 2020

Community urged to keep clear of trawler salvage at Bermagui

 People are being urged to remain clear of a complex salvage operation involving an 18-metre timber fishing vessel Salvatore V which ran aground at Haywards Beach last Thursday.

 NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the boat, which ran aground four kilometres north of Bermagui, is on track to be removed from the beach later this week, weather and sea conditions permitting. 

 “NSW Maritime is leading the coordination of the salvage and working closely with the owner of the vessel, the appointed salvage contractor and insurer to develop a salvage plan to ensure the safe and timely removal of the vessel and debris,” Mr Hutchings said.

 “The first priority in salvage operations like these is to remove any fuel and pollutants on board to minimise pollution impacts on the environment. The salvor successfully did this on Friday last week by removing 3000 litres of diesel. 

 “Given the state of the vessel, it will not be able to be re-floated. Instead it will need to be broken up and removed using heavy plant and machinery.

 Mr Hutchings said boat operators should continue to be on the lookout for the any debris which may present a navigational hazard.

 “We urge people to stay away from the site, which is being monitored by staff, and subject to an enforceable exclusion zone of 30 metres from the boat for public safety.

 “Some larger items such as the fuel tank, foam insulation, timber, floats and other fishing equipment have washed up along the beach.

 “We appreciate the community’s patience during the safe management of this response.”

 The vessel was heading back to port and had four persons on board when it ran aground. No one was injured.

 Under NSW emergency management arrangements, Transport for NSW Maritime is the lead agency responsible for marine pollution response including the removal of the vessel and shoreline clean up. NSW Maritime is working on this response with Environment Protection Authority, National Parks and Wildlife Service and Bega Valley Council.

 Members of the public who see any suspected debris on Haywards Beach should report it rather than collect it, by contacting the NSW Maritime Info Line 13 12 36 or report via email to incident@transport.nsw.gov.au.

 

[dunc333]

glad they were insured and all safe to shame they have to chop it up