Incident Summary:
On Friday 28 January 2022, cement carrier Goliath collided with two berthed TasPorts’ tugs at the Port of Devonport (York Cove and Campbell Cove). The impact of the collision caused significant damage to the tugs, ultimately causing both to sink.
TasPorts quickly deployed oil spill response equipment and activated its crisis response teams. TasPorts has actively monitored the incident site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since the collision, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the oil spill containment area and the salvage of hydrocarbons from the wrecks. These activities continue to be supported by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
TasPorts is continuing to assess the status of the incident site, to determine any changes to restrictions as early as practicable.
Updates:
- United Salvage, the company appointed by TasPorts to recover the York Cove and Campbell Cove wrecked tugs from the Mersey River in Devonport, has formally commenced its salvage work.
- This week key equipment was delivered to site and the relevant permits and supporting documentation submitted.
- United Salvage mobilised its dive team which completed a 50-metre sweep of the seabed for debris. Tyre fenders were removed from the Campbell Cove, and a wharf timber fender was removed.
- In the coming week, the tugs will be prepared for dewatering as they are lifted from the sea bed. The team will continue dredging and trenching works for both tugs (which commenced this week) and mobilise additional key equipment, including the lifting chains.
- This week the United Salvage team also visited Bell Bay Berth 7 where the wrecks will be relocated to when they are recovered.
- As previously advised, specialist salvage barges are expected in Devonport to commence the salvage operation proper in mid-April, subject to weather conditions. The 55-metre-long receiving barge, the Intan, will be travelling to Devonport from Newcastle, while the 60-metre-long crane barge St Vincent, with a lifting capacity of up to 700 tonnes, will arrive from Brisbane.
- Meanwhile, the 121-metre-long fuel tanker Stolt Sakura visited Devonport earlier in the week (Tuesday 5 April 2022).
- The 15-hour discharging operation went smoothly without disruption to the wreck site exclusion zone and boomed perimeter.
- The berthing and unberthing manoeuvre was supported by one tug and the vessel’s bow thruster.
- Also, the vessel stayed well clear of the exclusion zone while swinging in the turning basin.
- For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au