Authorities could attempt to salvage the grounded bulk carrier Pasha Bulker during the high tide tomorrow if weather conditions permit, NSW Maritime says.
Fears remain that the vessel, which is still being pounded by huge seas at Nobbys Beach, could break up but at this stage there has been no breach of the hull, NSW Maritime spokesman Neil Patchett said.
A witness on Nobbys Beach had earlier said traces of fuel had begun to wash up on the beach.
Mr Patchett said this could have been fuel from another ship or bilge water from the Pasha Bulker.
Authorities had earlier warned that at least two other ships, the Sea Confidence and the Betis, were likely to run aground at other Newcastle beaches.
But with weather conditions temporarily easing this afternoon, both have been able to get out of immediate danger.
He said the Sea Confidence had got to within 700 metres of Stockton Beach before a tug was dispatched to help rescue it.
"A little while ago it was under it's own engine power making headway seaward, which is good news."
The Betis was about 2.5 nautical miles out to sea, with a tug boat standing by in case of emergency, he said.
Weather conditions are expected to deteriorate overnight, he added.
Mr Patchett earlier told smh.com.au that the Pasha Bulker remained at risk of breaking up.
"Any vessel stuck on a reef being pounded by huge seas is at substantial risk [of breaking up], but I would not say it's a foregone conclusion.
"It is on a reef, being absolutely pounded - so there is risk of that eventuality."
"Various agencies from NSW and interstate are on standby and alert to respond to any pollution incident resulting from the grounding."
Earlier, in howling winds, rescue helicopters winched 22 Filipino and Korean crew members from the 225-metre long coal carrier to safety, one by one, from the deck of the stricken carrier.
Two of the crew suffered mild hypothermia, a NSW Ambulance spokeswoman said.
Paramedics were airlifted to the ship to help the frightened crew.
The crew were brought to a makeshift operation centre at the Nobbys Beach Surf Club where immigration officials were processing the rescued crew members.
Newcastle harbourmaster Tim Turner told ABC radio that all of the ships were last night told bad weather was on the way, but some ignored the warning.
La esquina de las calles King y Steel en el centro de Newcastle. La imagen muestra varios automóviles flotando.


Hasta 8 personas han fallecido en Newcastle, Australia luego de que la ciudad experimentara la peor tormenta en 30 años.

El Primer Ministro de Nueva Gales del Sur, Morris Iemma, dio la declaración el 8 de junio a las 9:30 p.m. mientras que el centro de la ciudad se inundaba con agua y escombros. Las autoridades han tenido que hacer un llamamiento para buscar a una familia de cinco, que se encuentra desaparecida cuando la Old Pacific Highway fue arrasada por la tormenta. Los cuerpos de un adulto y dos niños fueron encontrados en el auto esta mañana.

La policía también busca a una pareja anciana de Hunter Valley y a un hombre de Newcastle.

Las autoridades temen un "desastre ambiental mayor" ya que el buque de carga a granel Pasha Bulker se encuentra varado en un arrecife en Nobby's Beach. El cargador contiene 700 toneladas de combustible y muestra signos de inestabilidad. Veintidós miembros de la tripulación fueron rescatados. Otros dos buques, el Sea Confidence y el Betis, requirieron asistencia de remolcadores.

La Oficina de Meteorología de Australia ha emitido alertas meteorológicas serias y esperan que el tiempo se modere para el domingo.