The abandoned fishing boat Golden Lea is now in Havelock after a successful refloating operation.

Marlborough Harbourmaster Jake Oliver said the Golden Lea was refloated today and towed to Havelock and taken as far up the beach as possible.

“The team has secured her and tomorrow they will reattend and work on moving her further up the beach,” he said.

There were no environmental concerns but the boat is being monitored with preparations to manage any oil spills.

The Scottish-built fishing boat ran aground in the the Mahakipawa Arm in Pelorus Sound October after dragging anchor in strong winds.

The vessel has previously been subject to two abatement notices for staying in the same location for over 60 consecutive days, a breach of the Marlborough Environment Plan. Another abatement notice was issued in October by the Council’s Consents and Compliance Team in relation to the vessel’s unconsented occupation of the coastal marine zone.

When the owner did not relocate the vessel himself, the Harbourmaster exercised his right to do so.

Oliver asked people to stay away from the vessel to allow the team to work safely during its disposal.

“Assessments and disposal are planned and will be conducted promptly – we do not envisage the vessel will be in the area for longer than necessary,” he said

An exclusion zone is in place for safety, and the public are asked to keep clear.

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