Williamstown residents have accused authorities of being slow to act after an iconic Williamstown ferry sank and began spilling oil.
The Little Gem, which previously took people on scenic cruises, has sat partially submerged for more than a fortnight after taking on water near Gem Pier on October 26.
Williamstown Bay and River Cruises bought the vessel in 1994 and it is listed for excursions and private functions on the company’s website. However, when contacted, the company said it did not own the vessel.
The Oil Response Company Australia (ORCA) has attempted to contain the oil with anti-pollution booms.
Williamstown resident Patrick Walsh said he was concerned about the vessel continuing to leak oil.
“ORCA have put anti-pollution booms around the boat, but they’re not working,” he said. “They’re basically tea towels in orange bags.
“There is a massive slick and you can smell the stench of fuel; you walk down the end of that pier and it reeks.”
Another resident, Darren Dawson, said the authorities had failed to act.
“I had the feeling it was sort of Third World stuff that this boat could be sitting there in the water and spilling out oil and everyone was just sort of shrugging their shoulders about it and no action was being taken,” he said.
“My major concern was the oil just leaking out into the water.
“In my industry, I work with the EPA in stuff like that and if we release anything into the air or anything into the water table we get heavily fined.
“I just couldn’t believe that this was allowed to go on.”
Parks Victoria manager Phil Fowler said his organisation was working with the EPA to resolve the issue. “Parks Victoria is currently working with the owner to retrieve the vessel as soon as possible,” he said.
“There was no motor in the vessel when it sank and the fuel tank was empty.
“However, there has been a small amount of residue oil leaking from the vessel. ORCA has been engaged to install and maintain oil pollution booms, which absorb oil residue while salvage of the vessel is being arranged.”
