Acording to the Sunshine Coast Daily, a heavy duty dredge the Port Fredrick suffered a damaged propeller when it was pushed on to the sandbar by a heavy swell yesterday morning.
The 49.5 metre dredge was on its way to a slipway in Brisbane last night where the extent of the damage could be assessed and repairs undertaken.
It could be out of action for up to a week.
A smaller dredge, the Saibai, has been contracted by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to remain on standby at Mooloolaba as a back-up.
“ We knew the weather conditions were rough and could hamper the speed of operations but this is more than just ironic that the rescuer has also become a victim, ” stated Member for Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson .
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Dredging Today Staff, April 19, 2012;