Ingestion congestion: Fouled thruster strands Spirit II

LOCAL and social media reported “chaos” at TT Line’s Geelong terminal yesterday afternoon when Spirit of Tasmania II’s departure for Devonport was delayed for several hours by an inoperative bow thruster.

At the scheduled 1845 sailing the ship was in the opposite direction to its normal bow-in loading position and could not be turned independently, thanks to one of the bow thrusters ingesting a rope.

The ship was eventually turned around with the help of Engage tug Otago, by which time passengers and vehicles had been waiting more than seven hours to board, resulting in a heavily congested terminal and surround streets.

On-the-spot reports said travellers had temporarily abandoned their cars and boarded the ship by foot, while others had gone in search of food elsewhere, although it’s likely drivers remained with their vehicles.

A TT Line spokesman confirmed tugs were used to assist the eventual departure, which occurred at 2311. “The issue of the bow thruster does not affect the safe operation of the vessel,” he said. “The company apologised for any inconvenience caused to passengers.”

Spirit of Tasmania II berthed in Devonport at 0933 this morning according to TasPorts, and was scheduled to leave again for Geelong on a day sailing at 1145 but, understandably, was still at its berth at 1200, with tug Wajarri in attendance.