The Liberian-flagged Capesize bulk carrier Cape Falcon grounded south of Gladstone’s bunkering anchorage on September 18 while attempting to anchor about six nautical miles east of the Queensland port, according to Australian authorities. Two subsequent attempts to refloat the 292-meter, 182,066-dwt vessel have failed: one operation involved six vessels, while a second effort using ten harbor tugs during high tide achieved only minimal movement. Maritime Safety Queensland is leading the operational response, with Gladstone Ports Corporation providing assistance, and authorities say the ship will remain aground while additional salvage options are assessed.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has launched a formal investigation into the incident, ordering preservation of the ship’s voyage data recorder and collection of AIS tracking data, weather information, and crew, operator and maintenance records. No injuries, hull breaches or pollution have been reported, and the vessel is not blocking the main shipping channel, though port operations have been affected by the ongoing response. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has separately detained Cape Falcon under the Navigation Act pending a seaworthiness assessment, with a preliminary ATSB report expected in about two months and a final report anticipated in the first quarter of 2027.
Source: gCaptain — https://gcaptain.com/capesize-bulker-remains-aground-off-australia-after-refloating-attempts-fail/
Tags: Gladstone, Bulk Carrier, ATSB, Salvage
