TasPorts responding to incident at Port of Devonport

Update: 5.00pm, 28 January 2022

TasPorts is continuing to actively manage an incident at the Port of Devonport following a collision between Goliath and TasPorts tugs Campbell Cove and York Cove.

Both TasPorts tugs are currently submerged alongside the wharf at Berth 3 West and are located on the seabed. Both vessels remain secured to the wharf and TasPorts is continuing to monitor status.

Aligned with the Tasmanian Marine Oil and Chemical Spill Contingency Plan and the identified risk of oil spill from the submerged tugs, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is now taking control of the site as the leading agency. TasPorts is continuing to work alongside the EPA in responding to the oil spill and planning for vessel recovery.

An exclusion zone has been established around the identified wharf area.

TasPorts priority continues to be the containment of any oil spill into the Mersey River. Marine operations in the Port of Devonport are under continual assessment by the Harbour Master.

Statement as of 2.00pm, 28 January 2022

TasPorts can confirm at approximately 11.50am this morning, Friday 28 January 2022, a collision occurred at the Port of Devonport involving TasPorts tugs Campbell Cove and York Cove with commercial vessel Goliath.

Both TasPorts tugs were berthed and stationary at the time of the incident. The impact of the collision has resulted in both tugs taking on water and, as result, both vessels are now partially submerged.

TasPorts has notified the EPA and has deployed oil spill response equipment around both tugs. TasPorts is actively managing the situation and is working with relevant agencies to respond. The immediate priority is containment of any oil spill.

No crew members were onboard the tugs at the time of the incident and advice to date confirms no injuries were sustained as a result of the incident.

Please direct all media enquiries to TasPorts Corporate Affairs team via media@tasports.com.au