Singapore-flagged “Maersk Shekou” hits tall ship “STS Leeuwin II” in Australia
- Published
by Admin
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Friday (30 August) said it was alerted to an allision between the Singapore-flagged container ship, Maersk Shekou, and Australia’s largest ocean going sail training ship, STS Leeuwin II, in the Port of Fremantle, Australia.
The incident was reported to have happened on 30 August at 6.20am (Singapore Time).
The Maersk Shekou was proceeding into the harbour under pilotage, assisted by four tugs when it struck the STS Leeuwin II, which was at berth.
It was reported that a Maritime Museum’s roof was also damaged in the incident.
The allision had caused the mast of STS Leeuwin II to collapse and resulted in damages to the Maersk Shekou’s hull.
According to the Sail Training International website, STS Leeuwin II is a three-masted barquentine and launched on 2 August 1986 as a sail training ship.
Maersk Shekou is currently moored at berth in the Fremantle Container Terminal to assist with the investigations by the Australian authorities. No pollution was reported.
Two crew members onboard STS Leeuwin II have been reported to suffer some injuries. The 26 crew members onboard Maersk Shekou are reported to be safe with no injuries.
MPA is in contact with vessel manager and also the Fremantle Port Authority.
As the Flag State of MAERSK SHEKOU, MPA will be investigating the incident.
Separately, Fremantle Ports said the Leeuwin was dismasted but the hull appeared to have not been breached.
Fremantle said the cause of the incident is not known at this stage and a full investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Fremantle Ports will follow.
“Fremantle Ports will fully assist and cooperate with this investigation.
Photo credit: Fremantle Ports, MarineTraffic / Brian Scott
Published: 2 September, 2024
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