THE insurance company responsible for covering the sunken vessel Spirit of 1770 will recover it, according to the Australian Marine Safety Authority.

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An AMSA spokeswoman said they hadn't been told why the insurer planned to recover the vessel, which is 38m under water.

But asked if it was part of evaluating an insurance claim, she said, "I would imagine so."

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"In relation to the salvage that's a matter for the insurers, and AMSA understands the insurers of the vessel intends to salvage it."

The spokeswoman said AMSA didn't have a responsibility to ensure the vessel is salvaged as the depth of the vessel means it wouldn't pose a threat to maritime navigation.

But she said Queensland Maritime Safety had issued an alert to mariners as it could pose a risk for some industries, such as trawlers that use nets.

Queensland Maritime Safety issued the alert when fishermen located the vessel on May 25.