Qld: Preparations for refloat begin
BRISBANE, Aug 6 AAP - Attempts to pull the 73,000-tonne bulk carrier Doric Chariotoff a far north Queensland sandbank have begun, and salvage experts hoped to have thevessel free before high tide tonight.
Queensland Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer said tow lines had been attached to threetugs and ballast pumped from the ship in preparation for the refloat attempt set to startat 4pm (AEST).
The Doric Chariot, bound for India with a cargo of coal, hit a sandbar off Piper Reef,600km north of Cairns, a week ago.
Oil spill containment equipment had been set up around the ship as a precaution, althoughthere was still no indication of damage to the vessel or the surrounding area.
Mr Bredhauer said the salvage team hoped to have the vessel afloat well before hightide, which was due at 8.39pm (AEST).
Once free, the ship would be towed approximately 2km north of the reef where it wouldbe inspected by authorities.
AAP jfs/sc/apm
KEYWORD: SHIP SALVAGE
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