Huge waves grounded the vessel 330 feet (100 meters) from shore, sparking a major rescue operation to airlift all 22 crew members to safety in gale-force winds.

Now Australian experts say the stricken ship may remain just 66 feet (20 meters) from land until at least the end of June, as officials await favorable tides to complete a salvage operation and refloat the tanker. Meanwhile, workers continue to move fuel and oil from vulnerable lower tanks to minimize the environmental impact of the collision, according to Australian newspapers.

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