Iconic Tall Ship Hit By Container Vessel Leaves Fremantle For Repairs & Refit

The ship STS Leeuwin II is going to be repaired after it was hit by a container ship at the Port of Fremantle 9 months ago.

The incident occurred when Maersk Shekou was trying to berth in port and slammed into the anchored vessel at 6 am on August 30, 2024, after which the training ship was badly damaged and the waterway was filled with debris.

However, a ray of light came when it was known that the Leeuwin’s diesel engine and steering gear remained operational and that the vessel was seaworthy.

The ship was escorted by a Tug to the Australian Marine Complex, Henderson, where it was lifted from the waters to undergo refits and repairs.

Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation chief executive Lawson Dixon stated that it is going to be a difficult task. It would involve 3000 lineal metres of Douglas Fir, which will be ordered from Canada, and several kilometres of rope and wire from around Australia.

The aim is to have it in the water for the start of the summer sailing season. Mr Dixon also informed that the exact price of the damage is yet to be determined however, it is already in millions of dollars.

He added that the masts need to be built from scratch, though luckily, the hull is in pretty good shape.

Two crew in their 20s and 60s had to jump from the ship when the collision happened, which was also Mr Dixon’s first day at his job.

They were asleep and woken after a loud noise, and suffered injuries while escaping the ship.

The boat would have the same look, and they dont intend to change its appearance in any way.

Anyone can volunteer to be a part of the ship’s repairs and re-rigging works, and they added that mountains of work need to be done to get her back to sailing, and for this, they would need as many hands as possible.

References: Perthnow, ABC Net

Source: Maritime Shipping News