Howard Smith Wharves is being evacuated this afternoon after a pontoon carrying a crane broke free from its moorings.

It’s understood the crane has drifted from a crane station at Scott Street, where a construction site was being prepared to build a new footbridge.

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said it was an evolving situation.

“We understand legs are embedded into the bed of the river but however, two of those are currently compromised,” she told Scott Emerson.

She said Howard Smith Wharves have been evacuated as well as surrounding areas.

She said police were on the scene in case traffic needed to be stopped on the Story Bridge.

Press PLAY below to hear the latest from police

4BC reporter Matt Hepworth crossed to Scott Emerson from Captain Burke Park at Kangaroo Point.

He said the river was moving incredibly quickly, and it was difficult to say what would happen next.

Press PLAY below to hear the latest report from the scene

Nine News anchor Melissa Downes was at the wharves when police came to evacuate the area.

“[They] evacuated everyone very quickly,” she told Sofie Formica. “We’ve been all moved up the street.”

“The pontoons, the boats, whatever, we have seen them crash into Howard Smith Wharves.

“They hit with such impact but they are nothing compared with the size and the weight of this crane on the pontoon.

“If that hits something, it is going to cause a lot of damage.”

Press PLAY below to hear Melissa Downes’ eyewitness report

Image: Nine News