ENVIRONMENTAL observers fear a diesel-loaded fishing trawler that ran aground near the Point Nepean marine park could break up before it is salvaged.

Authorities worked yesterday to plug fuel leaks but are yet to commit to a time-frame for removing the wreck.

The Portsea back beach yesterday was littered with brightly coloured plastic boxes along the shoreline, washed up from the wrecked fishing trawler. Credit:Matt Mackay

Six crew members were rescued when the 27-metre Lady Cheryl ran aground in Port Phillip Bay early on Saturday. The captain allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading over the legal limit.

Maritime authorities have also confirmed that a cargo ship ran into strife nearby on Friday afternoon. Baykeeper Neil Blake told The Age it had been "cavalier" to try to navigate the heads in rough seas with high winds. "You have to ask whether there should be more restrictions. It's a treacherous piece of water."