Azimut 78 Flybridge salvage underway in Australia
The yacht was likely hit by a storm that removed it from its anchorage off the coast of Capricorn
A 24-meter Azimut 78 Flybridge yacht has run aground in Australia. Boat International reports the news, saying the cause currently appears to be a strong storm that hit the coast of Capricorn a couple of weeks ago, dislodging it from its anchorage.
The yacht ran aground on Lammermoor Beach in Yeppoon, Queensland, on May 11; according to local government authorities, the salvage operation, which began two days ago, will be completed by May 27.
The first phase of the operation involved removing the yacht's flybridge. Meanwhile, Maritime Safety Queensland, a division of the Australian Government's Department of Transport and Highways, also responsible for navigational safety and marine pollution, intervened on May 20 to assume legal responsibility for the yacht following concerns that the yacht's sinking and remaining on the beach could create environmental problems along the beach itself and the surrounding coastlines in the Livingstone Shire.
MP Brittany Lauga, however, reassured the local population about the risks, saying: "There is no pollution from the ship, which had little or no fuel or other pollutants on board when it ran aground and sank. Anti-pollution equipment is on site and ready to be deployed if necessary, but we do not believe there is sufficient risk to the environment to use them at this time."
Lauga also added that she and her team have been working closely with Marine Safety Queensland and local government authorities to “minimise pollution, clean up debris and keep the public safe”.
Local authorities are currently investigating the vessel's registration and insurance status. From information received so far, the Azimut yacht, built of fiberglass and equipped with two MTU engines, was launched in 1995 and could accommodate up to 12 people.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE SUPER YACHT 24 NEWSLETTER
