The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has commenced a transport safety investigation into a collision in Fremantle inner harbour, Western Australia, at about 0615 on 30 August 2024.
As reported to the ATSB, the container ship Maersk Shekou was being conducted to its berth by a Fremantle harbour pilot when it collided with the berthed tall ship STS Leeuwin II, resulting in substantial damage, and injuries to two crew members on the sail training ship.
The ATSB is deploying a team of four transport safety investigators from its Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney offices, with expertise in shipboard operations, pilotage, and recorded data systems, to the site.
They will conduct a range of evidence-gathering activities, including vessel examination, interviews, and the recovery of any relevant recorded data, as well as documents, records and weather information.
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation and will detail evidence, analysis and findings.
Should a critical safety issue be identified during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify relevant parties so safety action can be taken.