Australia Investigating After Bulker Blacks Out and Drifts Toward Newcastle
Power Loss Incident Near Newcastle Under Investigation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has launched an investigation into a serious incident involving the Marshall Islands-registered bulker Basic Victory. On July 30, the vessel lost power while waiting offshore, drifting perilously close to the coast of Newcastle, one of Australia’s busiest ports. The ATSB aims to identify any critical safety issues and will promptly notify relevant parties if necessary actions are required.
Incident Details and Immediate Response
On the morning of July 30, the Basic Victory, built in the Philippines in 2021, was approximately 20 miles off the Port of Newcastle, awaiting its turn to dock. At around 8:00 a.m. local time, the ship reported a failure of its main engine, causing it to drift toward the coastline. By late afternoon, the vessel had come alarmingly close, within three miles of the nearest land.
The ship’s master quickly alerted the Newcastle vessel traffic service about the propulsion failure and requested permission to anchor as the ship drifted closer to shore. Fortunately, the crew managed to restart the main engine shortly after, allowing the vessel to steer away from the coastline and regain control.
Australia’s Largest Sail-training Ship Hit By Container Ship At Fremantle Port, 2 Injured
After successfully docking in Newcastle on August 7, ATSB investigators boarded the Basic Victory to conduct a thorough inspection. They collected evidence, interviewed the master and crew, and reviewed recorded data and documentation related to the incident. Following necessary repairs, the bulker departed Australia on August 9, heading towards Japan, where it is expected to arrive next week.
Commitment to Maritime Safety
Australia is known for its stringent enforcement of maritime safety regulations and thorough inspections of vessels. The Australian Maritime Safety Administration (AMSA) actively monitors compliance and has previously imposed bans on ships that repeatedly violate safety standards or fail to conduct proper repairs and maintenance. The ongoing investigation by the ATSB underscores the nation’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its busy maritime routes and protecting the integrity of its ports.
