Barge sinks north of Fraser Island
A 50 metre barge, which had previously reported being damaged in a collision with a submerged object, sank early this morning about 35 kilometres north of Fraser Island.
Maritime Safety Queensland confirmed the Essex was now resting in open ocean at a depth of between 60 to 100 metres and posed no danger to navigation.
The barge sank as it was being towed by a tug into deeper water from where it had originally been damaged in shallower waters north of Hervey Bay.
Like most barges, the vessel was essentially a ‘floating platform’. It did not have an engine and wasn’t carrying fuel that may have presented a pollution risk.
A small amount of diesel and lubricating oil on board had been removed.
The owner advised that the hull had been painted less than nine months ago with coatings and anti-fouling paints approved for use in the marine environment.
The compartments of the barge had been sealed as is normal practice on a barge and there was no sludge or residue in any of these compartments.
Prior to sinking the tank lids on the sealed compartments had been loosened to allow any air to escape so the barge would sink quickly.
The tug Rodds Bay is now heading to Brisbane where an investigation into the incident will be undertaken.
Prior to the collision the tug and barge was on a voyage from Townsville to Brisbane. All crew are safe.
The State Government survey vessel QG Norfolk will undertake a detailed survey of this area within the next week to verify the final resting position.
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