Vic: Marine experts could salvage grounded ship tomorrow

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2001
Vic: Marine experts could salvage grounded ship tomorrow

MELBOURNE, April 23 AAP - Salvage crews will wait until tomorrow before attempting
to refloat a 50,000-tonne ship that has run aground off the south-west Victorian coast.

Victorian Marine Board chief executive John Lord said salvage experts were assessing
the best time and method of refloating the ship, which ran aground about 10.30pm on Saturday.

Mr Lord said the Indian-registered bulk carrier Deprayvag - which is sitting on a sandbar
in Portland Bay - could not be salvaged until conditions improved.

"Experts have advised that the ideal time for a refloat could be as early as midday
tomorrow, when the tide is at its highest and weather has improved," he said in a statement.

"Discussions are, however, still occurring between the ship, its owners and salvage
companies as to the optimum time and methods for dislodging the ship."

Mr Lord said the ship, its 40-member crew and the environment were safe, but additional
pollution control equipment had been brought in as a precaution.

Federal marine safety officials said no pollution was visible, but state shipping authorities
took no chances and rushed oil-spill equipment to the ship and surrounded it with a floating
oil retention boom.

The 200-metre ship delivered its cargo of phosphate to Melbourne, Geelong and Portland
and was awaiting transit instructions when it ran aground after dragging its anchor in
strong winds.

A large tugboat is standing by to shift the vessel.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau has launched an investigation into the incident.

AAP ac/gfr/las

KEYWORD: DEVPRAYAG NIGHTLEAD

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