Search for missing 40m pipe from Tassal salmon farm in Storm Bay

A WARNING has been issued to mariners on Tasmania’s East Coast amid a search for a large piece of pipe missing from a salmon farm.

A WARNING has been issued to mariners on Tasmania’s East Coast about a large piece of pipe missing from a salmon farm.

Aquaculture company Tassal has reported a 40m length of black plastic pipe missing from its West of Wedge lease off the western side of the Tasman Peninsula.

Peter Hopkins from Marine and Safety Tasmania said the pipe was about 90mm in diameter and, like any large object in the water, posed a potential risk to boat users.

Mr Hopkins said there was a lot of debris in the water including large logs, particularly around the mouth of the Prosser and other rivers, because of recent wild weather.

He said the weekend was looking perfect for boating on the East Coast and he urged those heading out on the water to be safe.

“Slow it down a few knots and keep a vigilant lookout,” Mr Hopkins advised.

He said Tassal spent all Friday trying to locate the missing pipe and resumed the search at first light on Saturday.

The pipe is black with green stripes.

Any sightings should be reported by Ch16 to a Tassal work boat or to Tas Maritime Radio.