The fishing trawler has been safely towed to Bundaberg for repairs.
Salvage crews inspected the trawler’s hull after its recovery and reported it was intact and had sustained very little damage during the grounding.
There was no evidence of pollution during the salvage operation and the voyage to Bundaberg.
The operation took two hours to complete and was monitored by MSQ pollution response officers and AMSA’s Dornier aircraft which provided aerial surveillance.
The 18 metre trawler ran aground last Thursday. Salvage specialists and staff from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), AMSA and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service have been on site since Friday making preparations for the complex salvage operation.
MSQ will be working with GBRMPA to investigate the cause of the incident. AMSA coordinated the salvage operation using its intervention power following two unsuccessful attempts to re-float the trawler after it initially grounded.
The owners and operators of Joseph M assisted authorities throughout salvage operation.
The Lady Elliot Island resort owners provided support to GBRMPA, MSQ and AMSA staff and their assistance is much appreciated.