Australia’s Largest Sail-training Ship Hit By Container Ship At Fremantle Port, 2 Injured

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an extensive investigation into the collision between a large containership and Australia’s largest sail-training ship, STS Leeuwin II, at Fremantle’s inner harbour in Western Australia.

The collision occurred around 6:15 a.m. on August 30, 2024, causing major damage to the STS Leeuwin II and injuring two crew members onboard the berthed vessel.

The containership struck the sail-training ship, operated by the Fremantle-based Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, while it was being guided to its berth by a harbour pilot.

The collision caused extensive damage to the tall ship, including the destruction of its three masts, and temporarily suspended its sailing schedule.

The two injured crew members were night watchmen on the sail training vessel. They were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, including a possible broken arm.

Jay Weatherill, Chair of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, described the incident as upsetting and stated that the incident could’ve resulted in a loss of life.

The incident also resulted in minor damages to the Western Australia Maritime Museum and parts of the berth.

According to the initial assessments, the STS Leeuwin II’s hull remained intact, but the deck was severely damaged, and the masts were entirely toppled.

Port officials also reported damage to the containership, including a gash in its hull.

The Leeuwin has been a fixture of Fremantle for decades, but today devastation struck as the beloved vessel was left a crumpled mess by a container ship. #9News

READ MORE: https://t.co/nFHdvaULdG… pic.twitter.com/UscYQIKeK8

— 9News Perth (@9NewsPerth) August 30, 2024

Video Credits: 9News Perth/X

The ATSB has dispatched four transport safety investigators from its Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney offices. They specialize in pilotage, recorded data systems, and shipboard operations.

The investigators will gather evidence by examining the vessel, conducting interviews, and retrieving important recorded data, documents and weather information.

ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell reiterated that a final report with detailed analysis, evidence, and findings will be released once the investigation is completed.

Mitchell added that if any major safety issue is found during the investigation, the ATSB will notify all involved parties so that safety measures can be implemented.

According to initial reports, the collision may have been caused by harsh weather conditions, such as wind gusts and rough seas.

The containership was entering Fremantle’s inner harbour, assisted by four tugboats after a violent storm hit it. At the time of the incident, winds were blowing at around 20 knots, and seas were running at around 8 feet.

The collision occurred when the vessel attempted to berth after sailing from Adelaide.

Fremantle Ports CEO Jodie Ransom described the incident as a rare occurrence for the port that maintains strict operational guidelines for safety.

She announced that port operations resumed on the afternoon of August 30 after a brief interruption and that the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, in collaboration with Fremantle ports, is assisting with the ongoing investigation.

Ransom stated that a visual inspection revealed damage to the STS Leeuwin II’s mast and deck structures. They are working to ensure all debris from the incident is cleared, and the port remains safe for all operations.

The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation announced its desire to rebuild the iconic tall ship, which has been providing sailing training to over 40,000 young people since 1986.

Reference: ABC

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