Sahore.

Following a number of failed attempts to refloat the Tynes Bay Incinerator boat Corona she was finally raised over the weekend in a two-day operation by Correia Construction, of Paget.

Now the boat's owners must decide whether she will sail again or be sent for scrap.

Corona was being used by Gringley Construction for work on the incinerator.

Divers were carrying out work on the cooling system using the boat as a base for their operations.

In February she was narrowly missed by a huge waterspout but lost her wheelhouse as the three-man crew battled to keep her afloat during high winds and fierce seas.

Then in May the boat sank off Tynes Bay during another severe storm when she was believed to have been hit by 35 knot winds.

Since then marine chiefs and Independent MP Mr. Stuart Hayward have called for quick action to refloat Corona , fearing the wreck could be a hazard.

Marine and Ports Director Mr. Ron Ross expressed worries about other boats striking the sunken vessel, adding that the Corona could also damage the underwater pipes she was supposed to help lay.

And Mr. Hayward was anxious that the boat would cause a problem for swimmers off North Shore.

Mr. Dennis Correia said yesterday: "Gringley Construction tried to raise the boat about five times using various methods, including inflating bags inside it.

"They did not really have the capability to do it and asked us to float it using the big barge with the 40 ton crane.'' Mr. Correia believes it is the only crane of its size on the Island and said his company had carried out "hundreds'' of similar operations.

"It took a day to plan and a day to raise the boat using a four man crew.'' Corona was carried to Dockyard to the North Basin Yachts slip where marine engineer Mr. Stuart Matthews said she would stay until a decision is made about the boat's future.

Vice President of Gringley Construction, Mr. Robert Gringley said the company would listen to any offers for the boat but scrap it otherwise.

He added that the company had used the boat specifically for Tynes Bay and had no intention of using another.

SALVAGE OR SCRAP? -- Mr. Stuart Matthews of North Basin Yachts inspects the Corona after its recovery from the sea bottom off North Shore.