Update 13 January
The ATSB investigation team has finished interviewing the crew and other witnesses. The team is now liaising with the salvors, who are on the island, to arrange the recovery of documents and other evidence from the wreck.
They are also making arrangements to inspect the port's mooring arrangements.
Updates to the ATSB investigation will be published here as significant information comes to hand.
More information about managing the environmental and other consequences of the accident are available on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
12 January 2012
The ATSB investigation team on Christmas Island will today be interviewing eyewitnesses including some stevedores and mine workers. The team will also be liaising with other agencies including the Port Authority, AFP, Customs and the Navy to gather other evidence.
10 January 2012
The ATSB investigation team arrived at Christmas Island at around midday today (WA time) to begin the on-site investigation. The team comprises a Master Mariner and an experienced marine Chief Engineer.
The team will spend the afternoon talking to relevant people including the Harbour Master, the harbour pilot and members of the ship's crew.
The team will also make arrangements to either board the wreck of the vessel when it is safe to do so, or for the evidence on board to be otherwise protected.
Further updates on the ATSB's investigation will be made available here as information comes to hand.
More information about managing the environmental and other consequences of the accident are available on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's website.
10 January 2012
Two ATSB investigators are en route to Christmas Island to begin the on-site phase of the investigation. The team is due to arrive around midday Western Australia time, however they may be delayed due to bad weather on the Island.
As part of the investigation, the ATSB investigators will:
- board the ship (when it is safe) to gather evidence such as shipping documentation and inspect relevant equipment
- interview the ship's crew as well as any witnesses to the accident
- examine weather conditions during the time of the accident
- look at the harbour facilities.
The ATSB preliminary investigation report, presenting factual information about the of the incident and the investigation, will be available within 30 days.
Updates to the ATSB investigation will be published here as information comes to hand.
Information and updates about the incident are available on the Australian Maritime Safety Authority's website.