A large crowd gathered on the beach to watch the stranded coal ship being towed to sea at about 9.40pm on Monday.
Newcastle Port Corporation CEO Gary Webb said while the vessel was now at sea, there was a significant amount of work to do before the salvage operation was completed.
“I am pleased to advise that ground surveillance undertaken since the Pasha Bulker was towed to sea has no evidence of oil,” Webb said.
Ports Minister Joe Tripodi said approval has now been granted for the vessel to be towed into the Port of Newcastle for further assessment and minor repair.
“The vessel is expected to be off the entrance of Newcastle about 11.30am and will be towed by five tugs to the port’s Western Basin No.4 berth.
“It will be under escort by NSW Police and NSW Maritime with oil pollution booms and other equipment on standby," he said.
