NSW Maritime Services to install navigation markers in Batemans Bay

by Penny Robins on 17 Feb 2012 A salvage effort will begin today on the historic timber boat which sank at it's mooring in Batemans Bay. Roads and Maritime Services will install four yellow Special Navigation markers to guide boaters safely around the large partially sunken timber vessel near the Batemans Bay bridge on the Clyde River.

Roads and Maritime Services Acting General Manager Maritime Operations Trevor Williams said the 19 metre Vale de Moura, an historic Portuguese vessel which was once used to transport salt, sank at its mooring early on Tuesday morning.

'Yesterday the local Roads and Maritime Services Boating Safety Officer (BSO) issued the owner a verbal Clean Up Notice and today a written Notice to Remove. This requires the owner to remove the vessel within 14 days,' Mr Williams said.

'Fire and Rescue NSW, as the enclosed waters pollution combat response agency, has installed booms around the partially submerged vessel, and is monitoring the situation to ensure there is no pollution threat to the environment.'

'Clyde River oyster farmers have also assisted with boom placement.'

Mr Williams said the Batemans Bay BSO had been on site this morning and reported there was no pollution evident in the water.

'Later today Roads and Maritime Services contractors will be installing navigation markers to assist boaters with navigation in the busy waterway,' Mr Williams said.

'The markers will be installed between the Tee Wharf and the ferry wharf,' Mr Williams said.

'The next step will be the salvage effort which will likely involve an attempted refloat of the vessel.

'It is the owner’s responsibility to salvage the vessel.'

Mr Williams said Roads and Maritime Services was in communication with the owner.

On Monday, Roads and Maritime Services will meet with Fire and Rescue NSW, local oyster farmers and Maritime NSW website