Safety Issue
Newcastle Vessel Traffic Information Centre requested the
masters of four ships to leave the anchorage at a very late stage,
when the weather conditions were extreme and just before Pasha
Bulker grounded. The masters of several ships, including
Pasha Bulker, had expected the centre to provide them with
similar guidance earlier, when weather conditions warranted,
enabling them to safely clear the coast.
Safety Recommendation
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommends that Newcastle
Port Corporation take action to address this safety issue.