Australia: Mooloolah River Dredging Hits Snag

Acording to the Sunshine Coast Daily, a heavy duty dredge the Port Fredrick suffered a damaged propeller when it was pushed on to the sandbar by a heavy swell yesterday morning.

The 49.5 metre dredge was on its way to a slipway in Brisbane last night where the extent of the damage could be assessed and repairs undertaken.

It could be out of action for up to a week.

A smaller dredge, the Saibai, has been contracted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to remain on standby at Mooloolaba as a back-up.

“We knew the weather conditions were rough and could hamper the speed of operations but this is more than just ironic that the rescuer has also become a victim,” stated Member for Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson.

[mappress]

Dredging Today Staff, April 19, 2012;