The stranded bulk carrier Portland Bay will be taken into Port Botany when the weather eases after efforts to tow it further out to sea failed overnight.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Portland Bay's engine failed shortly after it left Port Kembla on Monday morning, leading to fears it would smash against the cliffs of the Royal National Park as it drifted within a nautical mile of the coast.
Yesterday afternoon, a plan was made to tow the ship into deeper water as the crew were confident they had pinpointed the problem and could fix it.
However, this mission stalled late in the evening when the tow lines broke in extreme weather and ocean conditions, with swells of 11 metres.
The Portland Bay was instead moved north to a more sheltered location.
The Port Authority of NSW says the ship is sitting safely about 1.2 nautical miles from Botany Bay, with both anchors deployed.
One tug remains connected to the vessel and another is close by.
"The crew is taking every opportunity while in this situation to undertake repairs to their engines," Captain Philip Holliday, Port Authority chief executive officer, said on Tuesday afternoon.
"Two tugs remain on site with the vessel today and I'm pleased that in the currently stable environment all crew have had the opportunity to refresh and get some rest after working in these extremely difficult and hazardous conditions throughout yesterday and overnight."
A third, specialised tug has arrived from Newcastle and Captain Holliday said it would be key in moving the Portland Bay into Port Botany.
With the current forecasts, it is expected the ship will remain off-shore until at least Wednesday.
On Monday morning, the plan was to airlift eight non-essential crew from the ship.
Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopters found the stricken boat after a being advised by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
They carried out some test winches but due to high winds, large seas and the type of ship it was deemed too risky.
"There was an initial plan this morning to evacuate the non-essential staff, but once the vessel deployed its anchors and it was in a stable position, it was no longer drifting towards the rocks, the master asked to keep his crew on-board because at this point in time, they're confident that they can actually make an engine repair once they're out in safe, deep water," NSW Ports Authority incident controller John Finch said on Monday afternoon.
We've made it a whole lot easier for you to have your say. Our new comment platform requires only one log-in to access articles and to join the discussion on the Illawarra Mercury website. Find out how to register so you can enjoy civil, friendly and engaging discussions. Sign up for a subscription here.