This Friday, August 30, at 06:15, the port of Fremantle was the scene of a serious accident when the 332-meter container vessel Maersk Shekou collided with the sailing vessel STS Leeuwin while en route to port.
The STS Leeuwin sailing ship affected by the collision
The impact damaged the masts and superstructure of the sailing vessel Leeuwin, while causing injuries to two members of the night watch crew, who were taken to hospital for observation. Although their lives are not in danger, the injuries sustained during the incident were significant, according to Jay Weatherill, president of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation.
The collision began when the bow of the Maersk Shekou struck the Leeuwin first, causing the loss of the sailing vessel’s mast, followed by the impact of the stern of the container ship and onto the roof of the Western Australian Maritime Museum. The hull of the Shekou was also damaged during the maneuver, even though it was being escorted by four tugs into port.
On the other hand, Jay Weatherill expressed his concern about what happened, stating that“it is fortunate that there was no loss of life“. He also highlighted the trauma suffered by the crew, who were injured while trying to leave the ship after the collision.
The STS Leeuwin, a 55-meter, three-masted sailing yacht, is owned by the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation, a charitable youth development youth development charity based in Fremantle. This vessel is used to train young people in sailing throughout Western Australia, and as such, her styling replicates the sailing ships of the 1850s. However, due to the“catastrophic damage” to the mast and rigging, Weatherill confirmed that the Leeuwin will not be sailing “for the foreseeable future”, although he stressed the foundation’s determination to restore her.
The warship Leeuwin was severely damaged and two people were injured after collision.
Source: ABC News (Australia)
Fremantle Ports managing director Jodie Ransom said that the cause of the accident is still unknown and that an investigation will be carried out with the involvement of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority(AMSA) and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Ransom emphasized that these types of incidents are extremely rare at the port and that Fremantle Ports has strict operating parameters that are constantly reviewed to ensure safety.
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Source and photo: Fremantle Ports / Facebook
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