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SYDNEY - A wharf has collapsed and more than 12 boats have run aground in wild weather lashing Sydney Harbour.
NSW Maritime chief executive Chris Oxenbould said more than a dozen vessels had broken free of their moorings in high winds and torrential rain and had run aground on beaches and in bays.
"More than 30 vessels have required towing since the gale-force conditions began yesterday," he said today.
"The Cremorne Point Wharf has also collapsed and partially sunk overnight.
"A contractor is currently alongside assessing the damage and planning a recovery."
Mr Oxenbould said it was too early to indicate what potential damage the vessels may have caused.
He said weather conditions could further deteriorate with a front expected to come through this afternoon.
"People need to be advised that if they're in doubt of the integrity of their mooring -- especially in those bays and coves that are exposed to these current conditions -- then they should check their vessel, when conditions are safe for them to do so," Mr Oxenbould said.
The majority of problems with moorings had been at east-facing locations at Abbotsford, Mosman, Balmoral, Manly, North Harbour, Little Sirius Cove, Shell Cove and Neutral Bay.
Meanwhile, Sydney ferry services remain severely disrupted.
The Manly Ferry and Jetcat services were cancelled again today due to dangerous conditions at Manly wharf and will be replaced by buses, a Sydney Ferries spokesman said.
Passengers are advised to go to Old Cremorne wharf until Cremorne Point wharf is assessed for damage.
The spokesman encouraged the public to call the Transport Information line before attempting to catch ferries as services were constantly changing due to the unpredictable weather.
- AAP
