In August 2026, North Marine was engaged by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to undertake the salvage and removal of two derelict fibreglass vessels, Ada Dan and Sai Narm, located near Horn Island in the Torres Strait.

Both vessels presented unique recovery challenges due to their deteriorated condition and environmentally sensitive locations. Ada Dan, a 14.5 metre fire-damaged catamaran, was partially submerged along a mangrove shoreline. Sai Narm, a 14 metre former commercial vessel, was grounded and partially submerged on a nearby reef.

North Marine deployed its specialist salvage fleet, including Pacific Ranger, Sea Horse, Big Rig and WB IV equipped with a 40 tonne excavator, to undertake both recovery operations during a coordinated mobilisation.

Scope of Work

The project involved the assessment, recovery, dismantling and removal of both vessels, with individual salvage methodologies developed to accommodate their condition and location.

Ada Dan – Controlled Demolition and Recovery

Due to extensive fire damage and structural deterioration, Ada Dan was unsuitable for conventional lifting or refloating. North Marine utilised its barge-mounted excavator to progressively dismantle the vessel and recover the remaining structure.

Environmental containment booms were deployed to minimise the dispersal of fibreglass fragments and debris into the surrounding mangrove environment.

Sai Narm – Refloating and Removal

Sai Narm required a different approach due to its position on a shallow reef. North Marine’s crew undertook pumping operations to refloat the vessel before relocating it to a more suitable recovery location.

Once repositioned, the vessel was progressively dismantled using the excavator onboard WB IV, with recovered materials collected and secured for disposal.

Throughout both operations, North Marine coordinated its commercial dive team, support vessels and heavy equipment to safely manage recovery activities, tidal restrictions and environmental protection requirements.

Project Highlights

• Salvage of a 14.8 metre timber vessel submerged in approximately 17 metres of water.

• Multiple recovery attempts undertaken between August and September 2026.

• Specialist commercial diving, underwater rigging and buoyancy-assisted lifting using four 5 tonne lift bags.

• Combined lifting support from Pacific Ranger’s A-frame and a 40 tonne excavator aboard WB IV.

• Recovery methodology adapted to overcome strong tidal currents, deteriorated vessel structure and challenging lifting conditions.

• Successful raising and relocation of the wreck into shallower water.

• Controlled mechanical dismantling from WB IV, with the remaining keel and vessel structure recovered onto the barge.

• Salvage successfully completed with environmental controls implemented throughout the operation.