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Posted by David Sexton
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09 Nov, 2026
A MULTI-agency response is underway in Victoria after the sand dredge Kirra “partially submerged” while at anchor off off Middle Park Beach in Melbourne on Sunday night.
According to Parks Victoria, the vessel was unmanned and no one was injured. Strong winds and large swells during the weekend were seemingly factors in the submersion.
“As a result, a small quantity of diesel has been released and is being actively contained by a pollution boom installed around the vessel. Containment and recovery operations are continuing,” a Parks Victoria statement read.
“We are working with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Transport and Planning, City of Port Phillip and other response agencies to manage the incident and monitor environmental impacts.”
The beach between South Melbourne Surf Life Saving Club and Kerferd Road Pier has been closed during the response and people have been told to avoid the water.
The EPA also advised people and pets to avoid contact with water at Middle Park Beach and Port Melbourne Beach if they notice:
- an oily sheen,
- discoloured water,
- chemical odours
The vessel has been performing beach renourishment, dredging about 37,000 cubic metres of sand from an area 750 metres offshore and pumping it onto the beach between Mills and Langridge streets.
The City of Port Phillip is managing the project, with funding from Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
A notice to mariners was issued advising that floating or submerged hazards could be present.
Mariners should navigate with caution and avoid the immediate vicinity of the vessel while response activities continue.
DCN has sought comment from Hall Contracting, the Queensland company and dredge operator.
Salvage sector figures told DCN the matter should be "relatively straight forward".
