Paddle boat to be removed before end of May
by Roads and Maritime Services on 7 May 2014
SW
Roads and Maritime Services will today send a notice to the owner of the old paddle boat which sank in the Murray River requiring its removal before 31 May.
Acting Director Maritime Michael Wright said once a detailed salvage plan was lodged and approved, work to remove the old timber vessel from where it sank at its mooring just above Mildura Weir could start.
'This is the second clean up notice issued under Section 91 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 since the old paddle boat sank on Friday 25 April,' Mr Wright said.
'We are happy with the progress and our interactions with the owner so far. We have been provided with information on the salvage and now need to see a detailed salvage plan.
'While the vessel has been boomed and there’s no indication of pollution, it is important to remove the old paddle boat from the water to ensure safety for other vessels.
'It will be a complex operation to remove the vessel from the water. At 38 metres long and filled with water, it is big and heavy.
'Specialist lifting equipment needs to be transported to the site and a recovery team engaged for the salvage,' he said.
The owner has secured the partially submerged vessel to prevent it from moving or releasing potential contaminants and Roads and Maritime is monitoring the situation on a daily basis.
Mr Wright said the timely removal of the vessel was also important as water levels seasonally fall in June.
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