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NEWS
Investigation into grounded trawler
Asleep at the wheel, unqualified crew, running on autopilotRoads and Maritime Services (RMS) Maritime Director Tony Middleton today announced the RMS investigation into the grounding of the fishing trawler (longliner) Challenge at Cronulla on February 19, 2013, has been completed.
“While the owner and all crew declined to be interviewed, there was sufficient evidence to issue $4500 in penalty notices,” Mr Middleton said.
“This included $1500 to the master for negligent navigation for falling asleep while on autopilot.
“The owner of the vessel received two $1500 penalty notices -- for operating a vessel without NSW Certificate of Survey and for operating a vessel with unqualified crew,” Mr Middleton said.
About 1am on February 19, the fishing trawler Challenge ran aground on the shoreline of Shark Island off Cronulla.
The 100 tonne, 23.5 metre, steel-hulled vessel registered in Queensland was carrying about 6000 litres of diesel.
The four crew members were rescued by Water Police after a member of the public dialed 000 to raise the alarm.
The vessel was successfully refloated on the second attempt in the early hours of February 21.
Sydney Ports led the recovery effort as the combat agency under the NSW State Waters Marine Oil and Chemical Spill Contingency Plan.
Sydney Ports was supported by a number of other agencies including Transport NSW’s Freight and Regional Development team, RMS, NSW Police and local councils.
While it was a good salvage and rescue, the fines are chicken's feed considering the risks to the environment from a 100-tonne 'ship' running aground carrying 6000 litres of diesel.
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Written byBoatsales Staff
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