TasPorts crew tug operators and marine pilots who helped rescue crew of a large fishing vessel which lost engine power off Burnie on Saturday during wild weather are being praised for their efforts.
TasPorts chief executive Anthony Donald says they went above and beyond in what was a challenging retrieval situation in dangerous conditions.
The fishing vessel, with 45 crew on board, called for assistance when the vessel experienced engine problems just before midday.
TasPorts dispatched two tugs with two marine pilots, who were able to board and safely bring the vessel back to the Port of Burnie.
It wasn’t the only call for assistance for tugs on Saturday, with tugs also deployed to assist Spirit of Tasmania 1 and Searoad vessel the Liekut to safely enter the mouth of the Mersey River.
Tugs were also used to help roll-on roll-off freight vessel, the Peregrine, in Burnie, while the Wyuna, which was due to arrive in Devonport to take on bulk cement, was delayed until late last night.