More than a hundred onlookers gathered on the sand yesterday as crews attempted to tow the vessel back out to sea. 

The boat has been stuck on sand at the Port Campbell National Park since grounding there on Friday. 

Parks Victoria ranger-in-charge Darren Shiell told The Standard the boat was in a stable condition and didn’t pose any environmental threats.

The crew spent nearly two hours yesterday using a trawler from Portland to drag the boat back into the sea but stopped after ropes snapped. 

“The plan is to have another go on Thursday using a bigger boat,” Mr Shiell said.

“It’s not leaking or anything like that and in terms of visitor safety it’s fine. We’re reasonably satisfied that it’s OK.”  

It’s understood the ship’s crew spent the last few nights sleeping aboard the boat. 

Peterborough resident Steve Cumming said an excavator also removed sand from beneath the stricken hull to allow more water to ease it out. 

Cray boat skipper Don Edmondson told The Standard on Friday it was a miracle the ship didn’t hit a reef after dragging its anchor in the early hours of Friday morning.