New attempt to refloat stuck trawler
ATTEMPTS will be made today to refloat a fishing boat that ran aground at Big Bay, 40km north of Milford Sound, early on Thursday.
It's understood Remus, with four crew, had been trawling for albacore tuna when it encountered mechanical issues.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand was alerted but no distress call was made, and no search and rescue action was taken.
There have been no reports of injuries.
Southland harbourmaster Lyndon Cleaver said a salvage team from Wanaka flew to the area at 7am yesterday on behalf of the boat's insurers, Stuff reported.
A vessel from Westport has been enlisted to try to tow the vessel off the beach.
Initial attempts to refloat the vessel were unsuccessful.
Mr Cleaver said communications with the vessel were limited but authorities have been able to speak to the crew on maritime radio.
``We understand that they were at anchor in Big Bay and there might have been a change of wind direction, dragged their anchor, and possibly have gone on the beach that way, but it's yet to be confirmed,'' he said.
``We're quite fortunate that the vessel is still upright and everybody is safe, which is the main thing,''Mr Cleaver said. — The New Zealand Herald