A coal carrier has been rescued after it broke down around 24 kilometres off Hay Point in Mackay.
The carrier was disabled after its engine room took on water, while it was at anchor on January 24.
The vessel, carrying 57,000 tonnes of coal, is now leaving Queensland waters under tow and heading to Singapore for repairs.
Permanent repairs were made to ensure its seaworthiness, before being towed.
The specialist salvage tug was dispatched form Singapore.
The salvage operation was led by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and involved multiple other agencies.
MSQ General Manager Kell Dillon says its a successful outcome.
“This has been a complicated and challenging operation to ensure the safety of crew and the environment,” he says.
“I’d like to thank our industry partners, in particular the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and SMT Towage and their subcontractors for their tireless efforts over the past three weeks.
“The team faced challenging conditions.
“It has been an extraordinary effort by all involved.”
