The white jeep submerged off Penhurst Park on North Shore Road should be recovered by this afternoon, Marine Police said yesterday.

There is concern that gasoline and oil from the vehicle?s engine may seep into the ocean and disturb the surrounding marine life. Officer Paul Watson of Marine Police told yesterday: ?As with any submerged vehicle, there is concern about engine fluids leaking.?

He said that due to the small amount of fluid that a vehicle holds, such a situation would never pose a major environmental problem although clearly the vehicle needs to be removed soon.

The jeep has been under water since last Wednesday when it was discovered by a passerby. Police soon identified the owner who said that she had last seen her car on June 22.