ATSB: Pilot Error, Lack of Procedure Caused Bulker’s Grounding
Ineffective Pilotage and Port Deficiencies Lead to Bulk Carrier Grounding
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) determined that ineffective pilotage and port deficiencies caused the grounding of the bulk carrier World Diana last year.
In its final report on the incident at the Port of Bunbury in April 2023, the ATSB cited ineffective bridge resource management as a primary factor. The port authority was also criticized for lacking adequate procedures for handling larger ships’ arrival and departure plans.
On April 22, 2023, the World Diana was departing Bunbury, assisted by a harbor pilot. The 229-meter ship, carrying grain to Thailand, required two tugs to maneuver out of the harbor. During the maneuver, the ship’s speed increased, and its bow grounded on a shallow bank. Despite initial inspections indicating a near miss, later reviews and seabed surveys confirmed the grounding.
The ATSB found that the turn to port was started earlier than planned, reducing space and increasing speed until the ship ran aground. The Port of Bunbury had insufficient procedures for handling larger ships at berth number three, raising the grounding risk.
Since the incident, the Southern Port Authority has updated its marine pilotage standards and procedures, including a specified maximum turn rate for ships in the harbor.
