Family business at risk as fishing trawler sinks on bayfront

Boat owner Steve Vagias' fishing trawler sits three-quarters submerged at Stony Point Pier. Picture: Alana Mitchelson

By ALANA MITCHELSON

A FISHING trawler sank while moored to a jetty off Eastern Beach Road yesterday.
Owner Steve Vagias said the incident at Stony Point Pier, near Royal Geelong Yacht Club, could put him out of business.
“I’ve had that boat for 10 years,” the Hamlyn Heights resident said.
“I have a family fishing business and that (boat) right there is my bread and butter down the drain.”
Mr Vagia said the trawler was “fine” when he moored it and left about 9pm Wednesday.
Environmental Protection Authority officers assessed the impact of fuel leaking from the vessel into the bay.
Police and firefighters also attended.
Oil fumes could be smelled from the foreshore into central Geelong’s shopping area on Thursday morning.
Geelong Police Sergeant Peter Meath said the owner had organised salvaging.
“We’re still not sure how the boat sank but there’s no indication that it was anything suspicious,” Sgt Meath said.