Ship Grounded on Great Barrier Reef

[SurferShane]

This seems to have happened about when I was to the south off Bustard Head. At the same time of this grounding the Brisbane to Gladstone racers were using the winds off their stern to power to their destination. I heard a couple of comments about decent sized waves and breakages but am still wondering if the grounding was a simple navigation error?

Here is a link to the current situation:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/latest/7021641/race-to-stabilise-ship-stuck-on-reef/

[TaoJones]

Potentially, a huge environmental disaster. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, SurferShane.

TaoJones

[surfingminniwinni]

Originally Posted by TaoJones

Potentially, a huge environmental disaster. Thanks for bringing it to our attention, SurferShane.

TaoJones

I believe that its already a huge disaster, on news reports last night fuel was seen streaming into the ocean.

This morning reports thats the hull is ripping the reef apart.

[SabreKai]

on the Great Barrier Reef. Apparently it hit at full speed, and was about 9 miles off course. Serious enough that they think the tub will break up and sink. Leaking fuel oil slowly, and carrying about 900 tons of it. Not good at all.

Chinese ship runs aground on Great Barrier Reef | World news | guardian.co.uk


Sabre

[ctsbillc]

Nothing we can do but watch the destruction.

Then perhaps for some light relief watch "the cove"

[Chipg]

CNN just said the spill is now 3km long.

[delmarrey]

I would say it's time to get a salvage ship out there and start pumping that thing dry. If it's sitting on the reef it shouldn't go down very far.

[cat man do]

Full size images and press releases here


Great Barrier Reef grounding (Maritime Safety Queensland)

Ship grounding off Central Queensland – 6:00am update (5 April 2010)
Professional salvors are onboard the Shen Neng 1 this morning to begin the
process of salvaging the grounded Chinese bulk coal carrier.
They are part of the salvage contract and more will arrive this morning – they
will assess the structural integrity of the ship and options for refloating.
The Shen Neng 1 ran aground about 70km east of Great Keppel Island just
after 5pm on Saturday with approximately 975 tonnes of heavy fuel oil
onboard.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager, Patrick Quirk, said the initial
damage report was that the main engine room was breached, the main
engine damaged and the rudder seriously damaged.
“One of the most worrying aspects is that the ship is still moving on the reef to
the action of the seas, which is doing further damage,” he said.
“MSQ have aircraft in the air now doing an assessment, although the hope is
that little oil escaped through the night.
“We also have helicopters surveying the coast to prepare early planning in the
event of needing to get equipment onto the beach.
“A second tug is due to arrive in the early afternoon to assist the specialised
tug already there to stabilise the vessel,” Mr Quirk said.
He said dispersants were deployed yesterday on oil leaking from the carrier.
Dispersants are most effective in breaking up heavy oil when deployed within
24-48 hours.
Media enquiries: Adam Nicholson 3210 7063

[bruce in oz]

"It could be fined $1 million and the ship's captain $250,000 if they are found to have broken Australian maritime law. "

cant hit the reef whilst obeying the law...

[cagney]

I have tried to patch together what happened, from news reports. In short, this is what I think happened.
Left pilot at Gladstone Roads.
Heading north. "Forgot" to turn starboard 50 degrees after North West Island.
Goes aground, less than half an hour later, at Douglas Shoals.
No doubt there will be a full official report in half a years time, or so.

[SurferShane]

Originally Posted by cagney

I have tried to patch together what happened, from news reports. In short, this is what I think happened.
Left pilot at Gladstone Roads.
Heading north. "Forgot" to turn starboard 50 degrees after North West Island.

Sounds the likely scenario – I am actually back moored in the Gladstone Marina which is directly behind one of the coal loaders. A few of the boys I had a sun-downer on the wharf with yesterday are really saddened by the fact Douglas shoals is one of their favourite fishing grounds and the boat has already leaked tonnes of fuel oil. As it sounds like the boat has broken its back, hopefully they will pump the bunkers dry as soon as possible.

[cat man do]

Originally Posted by SurferShane

Sounds the likely scenario

Dont think so

They were taking an illegal shortcut

Red line is where they should have gone and pink line is where they tried to cut the corner at Douglas shoal


Wikimapia - Let's describe the whole world!

[surfingminniwinni]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Dont think so

They were taking an illegal shortcut

Red line is where they should have gone and pink line is where they tried to cut the corner at Douglas shoal


Wikimapia - Let's describe the whole world!

Thanks for that Cat Man do:

Skipper should be thrown in gaol (jail for our u.s. cousins)

[SurferShane]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Dont think so

They were taking an illegal shortcut

Red line is where they should have gone and pink line is where they tried to cut the corner at Douglas shoal

Well that does seem to be the latest news. Quote:

"The grounded coal chip ship now dragging against the Great Barrier Reef may have been attempting an illegal shortcut when it hit Douglas Shoal at full speed."

See,

Reef at risk: panel to investigate oil spill - Yahoo!7 News

[Sam Plan B]

Not to play down this mess, but take a look through the Board Of Trade Wreck Reports at the site below. These provide narrative accounts (1876 to 1951) of the dumb things Masters and Mates do, drunk or sober. It puts this sorry event in some historical context. Wreck Reports - PortCities Southampton