Media Release
AMSA Implements Emergency Towage Response for Derelict Vessel
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said today that it has arranged emergency towage, to move to safe waters, an 80 metre derelict vessel drifting in the Gulf of Carpentaria south of Weipa.
AMSA was notified by Customs at 3.15pm (EDST) yesterday, Friday 24th March that the vessel, which appeared to be abandoned, was drifting approximately 9 nautical miles off the Queensland coast.
Customs personnel boarded the vessel earlier today and confirmed that it had been abandoned and there were no persons on board.
In accordance with AMSA’s responsibilities, emergency towage arrangements have been implemented to prevent damage to the Australian marine environment and reduce navigation hazards posed by a vessel of this size. AMSA has arranged a salvor, Adsteam Marine, to facilitate safe passage of the vessel to Weipa. Due to the remote location of the vessel and the need to relocate salvage crews from the East Coast to Weipa it is anticipated that a tug will arrive on scene early on Monday 27th March.
In the interim period before salvors can reach the vessel, AMSA is working closely with other agencies including Maritime Safety Queensland on contingency planning to minimise risk of damage to the environment.