Stricken Cargo Ship Off Albany Reaches Port For Repairs
A cargo vessel with crucial engine issues off Albany has reportedly set sail to the port for repairs following fears that it might run aground.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has reportedly ordered the Albany Port Authority to permit the ICS Silver Spirit, which has allegedly been anchored the south of Albany for four days now, to make necessary repairs to its engines to step into the port for much-needed repairs.
Mark Morrow, the AMSA emergency response commander, mentioned that the direction was made to safeguard the local marine environment.
He added that they have concerns regarding the state of the ICS Silver Spirit, and nobody wishes to see the vessel run aground. As such, AMSA has made some decisive actions to direct the Port Authority to accept the ship.
The Hobart-bound Bahamas-registered vessel measures 136 meters in length. The ICS Silver Spirit is a general cargo vessel constructed in 2006.
The vessel reportedly sailed on 27 December from the Netherlands, and by midday Friday, it was in King George Sound and anchored off Goode Beach.
A spokeswoman representing the Southern Ports Authority, which operates Albany’s port, mentioned that it welcomed the directive of the regulator and the ICS Silver Spirit.
References: SMH, Ground News