Parks Victoria is responding to vessels coming adrift from their moorings or sinking across the southern Mornington Peninsula following a significant weather event earlier this week, which brought wind gusts of up to 90 kilometres per hour. 

As the local Port Manager, we are working closely with vessel owners to ensure damaged boats are removed safely and as quickly as possible. 

Salvage operations underway 

Of the eight vessels washed up on beaches or marine structures: 

• three have been salvaged 

• three are currently in the process of being salvaged 

• two have been moved to higher ground in preparation for salvage.

We are also working with the owner of a vessel located on rocks near the Sorrento boat ramp to develop an appropriate salvage plan. A 20‑metre commercial vessel is in a challenging location and will require a crane to be transported by barge to lift it clear. Salvage plans for the vessel include appropriate marine pollution containment measures. 

 Salvage plans are also underway for three of the four vessels that sank on their moorings, with the fourth being salvaged by the Sorrento Sailing and Couta Boat Club. 

Safety advice for vessel owners 

 High winds and swells continued to affect the local area in recent days. Vessel owners are encouraged to check their boats and moorings for damage once conditions are safe. 

Even where vessels remain tethered and afloat, damage to boats or mooring equipment may not be immediately visible and could increase the risk of future detachment or sinking. 

 Parks Victoria has contacted mooring holders in affected areas and is continuing to monitor conditions closely. 

 Anyone who sees an untethered or sinking vessel is asked to report it by calling 13 19 63.