Refloated Cape Falcon now under inspection

BLIGHTED bulker Cape Falcon is now safely located at Gladstone’s N11 under the direction of the Regional Harbour Master anchorage after rather unexpectedly floating free on this morning’s high tide.

The Japanese-owned, Liberia-flagged, 2022-built vessel, having escaped the sea floor on the edge of the port’s dredge spoil zone where it first stranded on Friday afternoon [18 September] has now been formally detained by AMSA.

At the same time the ship is subject to further investigation into the structural integrity of the hull, given the point of main interaction with the seabed is said to have been amidships.

Following the appointment yesterday of Australia’s United Salvage as salvors, two contracted Boluda Gladstone tugs, SL Marjan and SL Boyne, worked on yesterday evening’s high tide to ease Cape Falcon sideways to break the grounding effect ahead of a full refloat attempt, according to observer Simon Gravenell.

That attempt was set down for tonight’s high tide but was superseded by the morning success, when the ship was attended by VB Kongo, floated free with wave assistance and sailed north at 4-6 knots to the N11 position.

A Department of Transport & Main Roads spokesperson said Maritime Safety Queensland thanked all parties for their cooperation and support throughout the refloating operation would continue working closely with stakeholders as vessel assessment and recovery activities continue.

AMSA will ensure all safety and regulatory requirements are met before the vessel resumes operations.

Authorities said every effort had been made to minimise disruption, with a return to normal port operations and vessel movements underway.  For safety reasons, mariners are reminded to remain well clear of any operational areas associated with Cape Falcon and to comply with all directions from the Regional Harbour Master.

The ship had loaded coal at the Hay Point and Dalrymple Bay coal terminals last week and was destined for the Philippines when it made its ill-fated visit to offshore Gladstone to take bunkers.