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SYDNEY - A slight lull in wild weather is offering a brief window of opportunity for a salvage team to board the bulk carrier Pasha Bulker stranded just off a Newcastle beach.
A fly-over by a maritime safety authority plane this morning found no sign of pollutants leaking from the ship, which is carrying more than 700 tonnes of fuel and oil.
NSW Maritime spokesman Neil Patchett said the salvage team was making its final preparations before attempting to board the stricken 225-metre ship, which is stuck on a reef at Nobby's Beach, 160km north of Sydney.
Difficult weather conditions had so far hindered the team's access of the boat by helicopter but easing winds meant they hoped to be able to get aboard and carry out their inspection.
There was added urgency to their mission as forecasts suggest the return of powerful winds later in the day.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) aircraft flew over the Pasha Bulker earlier to see the extent of damage to the double-hull.
"The AMSA aircraft flew over earlier this morning and they reported there was no visible sign of oil leaking from the vessel, which is good news," Mr Patchett said.
The salvage team's findings on the state of the hull would determine what can be done to salvage the ship.
"Contingency arrangements cover shoreline clean up on any affected beaches and protection of Newcastle Harbour," Mr Patchett said.
The Panama-registered Pasha Bulker ran aground in wild weather yesterday while as it waited to load 58,000 tonnes of coal from Newcastle Port.
It was pounded by 17.9 metre waves and vicious winds during the wild weather, which was predicted to worsen.
NSW Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said there were signs of damage on the starboard side of the ship, which is carrying 700 tonnes of fuel oil, 38 tonnes of diesel and 40 tonnes of lube oil.
Two other ships that were close to shore and causing concern yesterday have steamed well clear of the coast, Mr Patchett said.
- AAP
