A recreational vessel, with no persons on board, was reported sinking at 7.55am in the Darwin Harbour area known as the Small Boat Anchorage.

The incident was reported to Police, the Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) and Darwin Port who responded immediately utilising its pilot vessel and response equipment.

The boat subsequently sank in six metres of water and the Marine Oil Spill Response Plan was activated with Darwin Port the lead agency for managing the response with assistance from the NT EPA and Regional Harbourmaster.

Darwin Port deployed absorbent booms to help contain leaking fuel oil and a dive team is currently at the vessel attempting to plug the leak at the source, assess damage to the hull and advise on potential salvage operations.

The owner has reported there is about 40 litres of diesel fuel on board.

No impacts on wildlife have been reported.

Media contact: Bruce Cutler 0457 509 133