A visitor to our shores

It was a slow and careful process when the crippled LPG tanker The Bougainville was towed to anchorage off Cowes today (February 7).

The ship was marooned off Seal Rocks last week after its propeller sheared off and was towed to Flinders in a rescue mission overseen by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority earlier in the week. It is now being carefully moved to Cowes, a more sheltered anchorage spot.

"The vessel is likely to remain at Cowes anchorage until arrangements can be made to tow it to a suitable repair facility the AMSA spokesperson said.

"Dive inspections have revealed the main propeller shaft has sheared off completely. This will require withdrawal of the propeller shaft at a repair facility capable of undertaking this type of work."

The AMSA said it is satisfied the crew are safe and the vessel does not currently pose a threat to the marine environment.

"AMSA will continue to work with the master of the vessel and its operator to resolve the situation."

A local boat operator said it would be a massive operation to get a propeller back on the ship, and most likely would need to be done in a dry dock.

Ship propellers can weigh anything up to a tonne, depending on the size of the ship.