Plucked from their watery grave

GOLD Coast water police and army divers have teamed up to recover stolen and abandoned cars from a Logan River dumping spot.

Two vehicles later identified as stolen by police were pulled out of the drink on Friday from an area near Skinners Park.

The Mazda Tribute and Nissan Navara were believed to have been nicked back in 2013, one from the Coast and one from Logan.

Gold Coast water police head and acting senior sergeant Mitch Gray said sonar had detected more vehicles under water there and at other areas of the Logan River.

Further car recovery dives were planned this week and Mr Gray said he estimated about a dozen vehicles would be pulled out.

"For years it has been renowned as a place for people to dump stolen cars or unwanted to cars."

Mr Gray said as soon as vehicles were brought out of the water police immediately checked for any bodies or property inside.

The idea for the joint recovery operation came about after members of the army visited the Gold Coast for training and exercises prior to the Commonwealth Games in April next year.

"This wouldn't have been possible without the army."

Mr Gray said along with being able to let owners know what had happened to their cars, the removal was a "flood mitigation measure".

"If these vehicles are left there, they can cause back flooding."