The ATSB is investigating the propulsion failure of the bulk carrier Portland Bay off Port Kembla, New South Wales, on 4 July 2022.
At about 0330 AEST on 4 July, Portland Bay was underway about 12 nautical miles off the coast when the ship’s main engine developed problems. The ship was unable to keep clear of the coast and at about 0915, deployed an anchor in order to not close further with the coast.
The emergency response by authorities ashore included deploying tugs to assist the ship over the following days.
On 6 July, the ship was towed into the Port of Sydney and, at 1454, secured alongside a berth in Hayes Dock, Port Botany, for inspections and repairs to its main engine.
The operation lasted several hours but by mid-afternoon, they were safely alongside. The 21 crew aboard the Portland Bay is safe, but the engineer on the first tug to assist did suffer a leg injury and was hospitalized for further examination.
Earlier, AMSA, as Maritime Emergency Response Commander, issued a legal direction to the ship’s master of the MV Portland Bay and salvage team that the vessel must be moved to a berth in Botany Bay.
As part of the investigation, the ATSB will examine the circumstances leading to the failure of the ship’s propulsion, including the situation leading to its departure from Port Kembla on 3 July, the events following the propulsion failure, and the emergency response.
The ATSB will interview all directly involved parties on board the ship and ashore, and analyse recorded data and other evidence related to the incident.
Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify operators and regulators so appropriate and timely safety action can be taken
A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
