Posted on November 9, 2026
Parks Victoria is coordinating a multi-agency response after the dredger Kirra became partially submerged while at anchor off Middle Park Beach overnight.
The vessel was unmanned and no one was injured.
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.
We are working with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), City of Port Phillip and other response agencies to manage the incident and monitor environmental impacts.
Beach and water safety
As a precaution, the beach between South Melbourne Surf Life Saving Club and Kerferd Road Pier is closed while response activities continue. People should not swim or enter the water in the closed area until further notice.
EPA has 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
Boating safety
A Notice to Mariners has been issued advising that floating or submerged hazards may be present.
Mariners should navigate with caution and avoid the immediate vicinity of the vessel while response activities continue.
Response agencies are working together to safely salvage and remove the dredger as soon as practicable. This is an evolving situation, and we will update this page as more information becomes available.
