Building tides for Pasha Bulker refloat attempts

by Rob Kothe on 30 Jun 2007 Another postponement in the attempt to refloat the stranded coal freighter Pasha Bulker, which remains stuck off Newcastle's Nobbys Beach. The first effort moved her bow just 5 metres, or 9 degrees,however building tides over the next few nights will assist salvage attempts.

A second attempt to refloat the 40,000 tonne coal carrier and tow it into deeper water was scheduled for late today. However, NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said this afternoon that the refloat attempt would be put off until late tomorrow.

The salvage team needs more daylight hours to complete preparations for the refloat attempt. The salvage team, this morning used a helicopter to replace the cable, which is connected to a sea anchor, that broke during yesterday's refloat attempt.

The tug boat Keera has been connected to the cable later today while another tug The Pacific Responder would be connected early tomorrow.

The forecast westerly winds will continue through Sunday and Monday in the 15/25 knot range, which will help if the tugs are successful in moving her further, as the freighter swings broadside to the beach.

The next refloat attempt would be timed to coincide with Sunday night’s high tide at Nobbys Beach, which is forecast to reach 1.87 metres at 8.54pm (AEST) .

Here are the tidal charts covering the current period.

Thu 28		Fri 29		Sat 30		Sun 1		Mon 2		Tue 3		Wed 4
Time	Ht	Time	Ht	Time	Ht	Time	Ht	Time	Ht	Time	Ht	Time	Ht
100	0.55	140	0.48	219	0.42	259	0.38	339	0.35	420	0.33	501	0.32
641	1.24	728	1.27	813	1.29	856	1.32	939	1.34	1023	1.36	1109	1.38
1206	0.64	1249	0.63	1332	0.61	1415	0.59	1500	0.57	1546	0.57	1636	0.58
1851	1.75	1931	1.8	2013	1.85	2054	1.87	2135	1.88	2217	1.86	2300	1.8