Dive team aiding in removal of vessel

A dive salvage team was out to the rescue in Riverton yesterday with plans to remove a vessel abandoned in the Jacob River Estuary for almost a month.

The vessel sank as a result of stormy weather conditions on March 20, drifting and colliding with the town’s bridge.

It was partially submerged in the Riverton Harbour, and has been sitting on mud flats in the estuary.

Environment Southland regional harbourmaster and maritime manager Lyndon Cleaver has been liaising with the insurance company, the dive salvage company, local contractors and the Riverton harbourmaster about the plans to salvage the vessel.

"The salvage of the vessel Liane began today ... and is expected to be completed by the end of the week," he said.

It was a "complex operation" but he was confident in the plans developed by the dive salvage company.

"It has considered a range of scenarios and activities that will reduce the potential for further risk of environmental damage," Mr Cleaver said.

Riverton harbourmaster Ian Coard said the position of the boat made the process of recovering it a "logistical nightmare".

"This is why it took a while to get the best results for everyone concerned."

The vessel was successfully raised off the bottom on strops aided by flotation devices yesterday morning.

They planned to get the vessel seated back down in the water at low tide to pump out the remaining water from the boat, as well as remove any fuel on board.

They would then shift the vessel to shore, where it would be removed by a crane which would gain access through Southland District Council land.

Locals were looking forward to seeing the boat removed, Mr Coard said.

"It’s been under water for nearly a month ... and it is of interest to everybody."