Barge sunk north of Fraser Island

A 50m barge has sunk about 35km north of Fraser Island.

50m barge sinks north of Fraser Island.

A 50m barge has sunk about 35km north of Fraser Island.

The Essex had been damaged in a collision with a submerged object in shallow water north of Hervey Bay and Maritime Safety Queensland confirmed it was now resting in open ocean at a depth of between 60 and 100m and posed no danger to navigation.

The barge sank as it was being towed into deeper water by a tug.

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 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 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 were 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.

Originally published as Barge sunk north of Fraser Island