DEBRIS from YM Efficiency containers continues washing ashore in the Hunter more than a year after the cargo fell into the waves.
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June 1 marked a year since the 81 containers were lost overboard as the ship passed the Hunter's coast.
NSW Maritime reported this week that items continue to wash up at Hawks Nest, Tea Gardens and Port Stephens.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)'s last update in May noted that 54 containers had been found and confirmed as belonging to the ship.
Another four have washed up or been found in near-shore areas.
Using a remotely-operated underwater vehicle, they have surveyed more than 578 square kilometres and are assessing the images to determine whether containers can be recovered.
"Some of the containers found appear to be severely damaged, with large sections of the containers and their contents spread across a large area," the regulator said.
"AMSA is continuing to liaise closely with the local community and commercial fishers to ensure they have up to date information on the operation and the locations of potential hazards."
In November last year the Professional Fisherman's Association said it was "disgusted" at the lack of action to remove and clean up the container spills.
The fishing body argues removal is the only option to assure safety.
"The commercial and recreational fishing communities in Newcastle and Sydney have been shown a blatant disregard in relation to the impact this incident has had," Tricia Beatty, CEO of the Professional Fishermen's Association, said.
"We were promised surveys to be completed to allow fishers to minimise their risk ... Five months later, still no action."
In February the Newcastle Herald revealed the containers lost held items including two Chevrolet Silverados worth a combined $300,000, scissor lifts, industrial vacuum cleaners and a mountain of bicycles. Commercial fishers had reported seeing bicycles in their nets during the weeks following the initial cargo spill.
The clean-up continues.
One year on from the YM Efficiency Container Spill incident and we are still seeing debris washing ashore in Port Stephens, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest.
- NSW Maritime