ONE of Batemans Bay’s most memorable maritime sagas, the sinking and refloating of the Vale de Moura, will end soon.
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The formally photogenic boat won’t ply the waters of the Eurobodalla or anywhere else again, after a damning report on its condition was handed down.
“Roads and Maritime Services has had the vessel inspected by an independent marine surveyor, who has reported that the vessel is in such a state of disrepair that it is beyond recovery,” RMS maritime division Senior Media Officer Penny Robins said.
Removal and disposal of the Vale de Moura began on Tuesday. A crane firstly removed the masts, before the vessel is dismantled and removed from Batemans Bay.
It is expected the whole process will be completed by next week, weather permitting.
Three tenders were put forward for this dismantling and removal work with local contractor Bay Mooring and Barge Service being successful.
A Marine Parks permit for salvage works is in place for the works.
Once the dismantling and removal of the vessel has been completed, the costs associated with the job will be assessed and the debt recovery process will begin.
The Vale de Moura sank in the Clyde River on February 14 and was refloated before being towed to the Batemans Bay Marina early this month.
The owner of the vessel was given until April 11 to advise his intentions but did not respond in time.