Maersk Ship Demasts Iconic Sailing Ship and Damages Port Entering Fremantle

 

Maersk Shekou hit the docked sailing ship as it was entering Fremantle, Australia (Fremantle Ports)

A well-known three-masted training ship Leeuwin II was extensively damaged as well as parts of the Fremantle, Australia port as a Maersk container vessel was attempting to dock in bad weather. Two individuals aboard the sailing ship sustained non-life-threatening injuries while the port and residents were in shock after the incident which happened early on Friday, August 30.

“The Leeuwin has been absolutely smashed to pieces,” a witness said on Radio 6PR Australia. “None of its mast is standing, and it’s listing over and hanging over onto the port.” Pictures showed parts of the mast hanging on the bow of the containership and other debris in the water while the Western Australia Maritime Museum sustained superficial damage to its roof and parts of the berth were broken off. There is also a gash in the hull of the containership.

The Maersk Shekou (108,622 dwt) was entering the port to berth at around 0600 local time. Port officials are reporting there were two pilots aboard and the vessel was being assisted by four tugs. Australia in recent days has been experiencing heavy weather and there were wind warnings for much of the country on Friday. Indications were that there was a 20-knot wind blowing in Fremantle this morning and the seas were running at about eight feet.

Preliminary assessments indicate that the strong weather conditions including wind gusts could have caused the allision. The 332-meter (1,089-foot), Singapore-flagged Maersk Shekou was entering Fremantle’s inner harbor after sailing from Adelaide when it struck the 1850’s style schooner, the 55-meter (180-foot) wooden sailing ship. 

Source: Published Aug 30, 2024 11:48 AM by The Maritime Executive
https://maritime-executive.com/article/maersk-ship-demasts-iconic-sailing-ship-and-damages-port-entering-fremantle