Safe removal of grounded vessel expected tomorrow

Salvage crews are tomorrow expected to attempt to remove a large recreational vessel stuck on a reef at the Abrolhos Islands off the State's Mid West coast.

The 22 metre super yacht hit a reef near Turtle Bay at East Wallabi Island on Wednesday sustaining limited damage to the vessel and no injury to those on board.

Department of Transport (DoT) Maritime Environmental Emergency Response Manager Matt Verney said a tug and dive boat arrived on site earlier today as part of the ongoing salvage operation.

"Those on site have commenced an assessment of the vessel and a plan is now in place to safely recover the vessel and tow it to Geraldton," Mr Verney said.

"Flotation devices will be used to carefully and slowly lift the vessel off the reef on the high tide and the possible removal of some of the diesel fuel on board.

"Containment boom has been sent to the site and will be deployed around the vessel to limit possible damage to the local environment.

"Aerial observation of the site yesterday found no evidence that fuel had spilled from the vessel which remains intact on the reef and weather conditions in the area favour a successful salvage operation."

As the agency responsible for ensuring an adequate response to this type of incident in State waters, DoT is working closely with the vessel owner, insurer, salvage company and the Department of Fisheries to achieve the best outcome for the environment and the community.

For more information about DoT's role in responding to maritime environmental emergencies visit www.transport.wa.gov.au/imarine

Media Contact: media@transport.wa.gov.au