BOX ship the MSC Maritina V (IMO 9294408) has made a "precautionary anchorage" in Port Phillip Bay after reporting an engine alarm during the South Channel inbound transit.
The ship’s master contacted Ports Victoria Vessel Traffic Services around 8am Monday reporting their plans to anchor “as a precautionary response”.
The vessel was able to safely anchor.
“Ports Victoria VTS continues to monitor the situation and will coordinate shipping movements to facilitate the vessel’s shift to anchor,” Ports Victoria said in a statement.
“Two tugboats have been dispatched to assist the vessel. If necessary, they will undertake a tow of the vessel to Melbourne anchorage.”
Weather conditions are expected to remain favourable on Monday with only light winds.
Ports Victoria said the channel was closed to all large commercial vessel traffic until the vessel cleared the South Channel.
Water Police have deployed vessels to keep recreational craft clear of the area, and a Ports Victoria vessel is also in attendance.
Further updates are expected as the situation develops.