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Maersk container ship causes damage, injuries while entering Fremantle port
After a strong wind suddenly started blowing, the Maersk Shekou collided with the STS Leeuwin while manoeuvring at the Fremantle Patrick Terminal.
Maersk’s Post-Panamax container ship Maersk Shekou collided with the iconic Australian tall ship STS Leeuwin while entering Fremantle Port in Australia, at 06:15 local time this morning.
According to the Fremantle Ports statement, the Leeuwin was dismasted, however, the hull appears to have not been breached. The two-night watch crew members who were onboard the Leeuwin at the time sustained non-life-threatening injuries and have been taken to hospital for observation.
The cause of the incident is unknown at this stage and a full investigation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and Fremantle Ports will follow. According to the media reports, a strong wind suddenly started blowing before the accident.
According to the Fremantle Ports, the bow of the Maersk Shekou struck the Leeuwin, and the stern of the vessel caused some damage to A Berth and the WA Maritime Museum roof.
“Fremantle Ports has stringent operational parameters in place for the movement of ships and in this case, the Maersk Shekou had two pilots on board and was being accompanied to the berth by four tugs,” the port said.
WorldCargo News approached Maersk for the comment on the incident: “A.P. Moller – Maersk regrets to inform that in the morning of August 30th, our vessel Maersk Shekou was involved in a collision with the tall ship STS Leuwinn during berth manoeuvring at the Fremantle Patrick Terminal in Australia. We are aware of reports that two people sustained injuries in the incident. We extend our best wishes for their swift and full recovery. We take this matter very seriously and are committed to fully cooperating with the authorities during the investigation,” Maersk said in a statement.
The Leeuwin, built in 1986 and 55 metres long, is Australia’s largest sail-training tall ship, while Singapore-flagged Maersk Shekou, built in 2010, is a 332.74-metre-long, 8,814 TEU container ship.
“We are in close contact with the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation and are providing them with every support. Public access is restricted to A Berth and the Maritime Museum whilst we undertake inspections. Gage Roads Brew Co. is unaffected and is trading as usual,” the port added.