A LARGE crane, divers and other elements of a recovery team are currently working to retrieve the crashed vehicle from the Blue Lake today if weather conditions permit.
The Mitsubishi Triton plunged into the volcanic landmark in early August and SA Water has since been planning the recovery operation.
It will involve the assistance of interstate divers who will float the car to an off-take area near the pumping station for retrieval by a 220 tonne crane, which arrived yesterday.
Divers spent much of yesterday assessing the car’s location and preparing inflatable devices to float the vehicle across today.
SA Water’s senior manager of production and treatment Lisa Hannant said the removal process had been carefully planned and managed, with safety of the community and those involved in the operation of the utmost importance.
“We have spent the past few weeks working through the complexities of this task,” Ms Hannant said.
“It has been imperative to take the time to consider all potential risks and use the knowledge of our local teams and the expertise of those outside SA Water who have experience in similar activities.”
While everyone involved is hopeful the car will be removed today, Ms Hannant said the retrieval would not go ahead unless weather conditions were suitable.
“Safety is paramount for the workers and divers involved in the retrieval, so if there are high winds or unfavourable conditions, we will not start,” she said.
“We are not sure how long the retrieval will take, but if at any stage there is a risk due to weather, we will stop and re-commence at a time when conditions are more favourable.”
Following ongoing media coverage of the crash and the car’s pending retrieval, Ms Hannant expected today’s operation to garner some public interest from the South East community.
“While we understand the community interest in this very unique event, we urge people who may head along to the lake tomorrow to remain in the public access areas so our team and contractors can do their job safely,” she said.
As was done as a precautionary measure when the car first entered the water, Mount Gambier’s drinking water supply will be temporarily switched to being sourced from the local borefield during today’s exercise.
“The water will remain safe to drink, but some customers may notice a slight difference in taste and colour,” Ms Hannant said.
“In keeping with our standard procedures, SA Health will be notified of the change in source, as well as the local hospital and any critical customers.”
The utility became submerged at the edge of the massive crater following a serious crash just after 11pm on August 3.
A 22-year-old man crashed the vehicle through a guard rail and was ejected from the car before it plunged 150 metres to the water’s edge.
SA Water has engaged companies from the South East and just across the border in north-west Victoria, including Mount Gambier’s Sharp Cranes, Mildura’s Sunraysia Cranes and Professional Diving Services from Portland.
Localised traffic management will be in place on John Watson Drive, from Bay Road to Sunnyside Drive, from 7am to 3pm for the retrieval operation today.
