Authorities act after vessel sinks in Calliope River at Gladstone

Maritime authorities have acted after a boat sunk in seemingly calm waters at a popular Gladstone fishing spot.

Half of the sunken vessel was under water in the Calliope River at Gladstone on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Photo: Darryn Nufer.

A sailing boat, which sank in the Calliope River at Gladstone, has not posed any environmental threat, maritime authorities say.

Photos taken of the boat on Tuesday afternoon showed half of the boat underwater on the seaward side of the Calliope River Bridge, not far from the bank.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon confirmed on Thursday the authority was first notified of the sunken vessel last week.

The vessel under water in the Calliope River at Gladstone on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Photo Darryn Nufer.

“MSQ marine officers placed a lit yellow buoy beside the vessel to mark its location,” Mr Dillon said.

“There was no pollution reported from the vessel.”

Mr Dillon said MSQ was working closely with the owner to address disposal.

“A direction has not been issued at this stage,” he said.

MSQ was not able to confirm what caused the vessel to sink.

It is understood the boat was unoccupied at the time it came to grief.

On Tuesday afternoon, people were seen fishing off the bank not far from the sunken vessel which was close to the mangroves and not a navigational hazard.