Incident Update - 12 August 2022

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 has now recovered both tug wrecks from the bottom of the Mersey River and will shortly begin the process of undergoing marine safety inspection to begin the process of returning the port to full service.

Updates:

• Both the York Cove and Campbell Cove tugs have been successfully salvaged.
• The York Cove was lifted out on Sunday 7 August and placed in special cradles on board the AAL Melbourne.
• The Campbell Cove was lifted out on Wednesday 10 August but was unbalanced and needed to be returned to the water ahead of more preparations.
• After further work and dewatering, the Campbell Cove was successfully lifted and placed on AAL Melbourne today (Friday 12 August).
• United Salvage will fasten the final wreck in its cradle prior to them being shipped to Brisbane to a salvage yard dedicated to scrapping maritime assets.
• TasPorts will shortly begin the process of undergoing marine safety inspection and assessment to ascertain potential damage to the wharf to begin the process of returning the port to full service.
• For enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au