A crucial high tide last night failed to shift the yacht Victoria from Flat Rock, raising fresh concerns about the vessel’s future as rougher weather threatens the Ballina coast in coming days.

The Queensland-registered yacht has remained stranded on the reef since running aground on Tuesday evening while travelling from Southport to Ballina.

Maritime authorities and salvage experts are continuing to assess recovery options after last night’s high tide, which was viewed as one of the best opportunities in coming days to refloat the vessel.

The setback has increased concerns that deteriorating sea conditions could cause further damage to the yacht before a recovery plan can be implemented.

Possible options include a specialist salvage operation or lifting the vessel from the reef using a crane, although any recovery effort would need to satisfy strict environmental requirements.

NSW Maritime has previously indicated environmental protection remains the first priority, with authorities assessing fuel, oil and other potential pollutants before any salvage operation proceeds.

If the yacht cannot be safely recovered, there is growing speculation it may eventually need to be dismantled and removed in sections.

Ballina News Daily confirmed the yacht’s owner does not currently have insurance cover for the vessel, potentially adding another layer of complexity to any recovery effort.

James, who did not wish to disclose his full name, said he’d started making insurance arrangements just prior to the voyage, but had not completed the process.

The situation has drawn comparisons with the Ballina fishing trawler Arunta 2, which ran aground on Flat Rock almost exactly 50 years ago in July 1976. The vessel was ultimately salvaged and returned to Ballina, although modern environmental regulations may complicate any similar recovery effort today.

For now, Victoria remains stranded on the reef while authorities consider the next steps.

PHOTO:
The yacht Victoria remains stranded on Flat Rock after a crucial high tide failed to move the vessel last night. Although captured about 10pm, this image appears almost daylight due to photographer Paul Stanley-Jones using a 10-second long exposure. 

For more on the owner of Victoria and the dramatic events that unfolded after the grounding, see Ballina News Daily’s earlier report:

Stranded yacht owner battles looters and the tide to save his home