Liane sank as a result of stormy weather conditions on March 20, drifting and colliding with the town’s bridge.
It was partially submerged in Riverton Harbour, and has been sitting on mud flats in the estuary since then.
Last week, a salvage team started the work to recover the boat using a flotation device.
However, the location, tides and weather challenges made the operation difficult, Riverton harbourmaster Ian Coard said yesterday.
"We lifted up and we got under the bridge on Thursday.
"Since Friday, we are trying to lighten it. We took the wheelhouse roof [off] on Friday and yesterday [Saturday] we ... took out the motors, the engines."
The boat was at Riverton Harbour where round-the-clock crews were pumping water from it — to allow it to float — and keeping the public away.
Today, a 30-tonne crane was expected to lift the vessel from the location, concluding the operation.
Mr Coard had been working in Riverton for about 40 years but confessed he had never before experienced such a complex operation.
The other boat, which sank on the same day, was "out the next day".
"Because of the position of where it ended down — it was just a logistical nightmare. It was either in deep water or it wasn’t in shallow water. If it was in deeper water, it would be easier."
He was looking forward to the "saga" coming to an end.
