COOCHIEMUDLO Island residents want Maritime Safety Queensland to take action over a yacht which has gone aground near the island’s jetty.
A resident said the yacht had been dragged from its mooring by wind and currents past the barge ramp and had been leaking what might be contaminants.
“The locals are up in arms about it and are demanding its removal,” he said.
Maritime Safety Queensland staff had visited the island twice to look into the issue.
“The owner is telling people it can’t be moved because of a pending insurance claim,” he said..
“Since when are insurance companies dictating our maritime safety and environmental concerns?
“Maybe they are waiting for it to be washed out into the main channel for a collision with a ferry load of school kids.”
An MSQ spokesperson said staff had been investigating and a direction had been issued to the owner to remove the vessel
“We are in contact with the owner,” he said. “...The owner has advised arrangements have been made with the Coast Guard to refloat the vessel next week.
“At this stage, we do not believe the vessel poses an immediate hazard to navigation.”
The islander said if action was not taken, islanders were prepared to complain to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk.
”It’s a bloody disgrace,” he said.
