The Cape Falcon oil tanker (flagged in Liberia) ran aground on September 18, 2023, while attempting to anchor approximately six nautical miles east of Gladstone port, near the fuel loading dock of the port. This incident occurred as the 182,066-ton tanker was unable to successfully anchor due to adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen factors.
Unsuccessful Rescue Attempts
According to reports from Australian authorities, two attempts to rescue the tanker have been made so far, both of which have been unsuccessful. In the first operation, six vessels were deployed, and in the second attempt, 10 tugboats were used, which could only create minor movement. Given these circumstances, the Cape Falcon will remain aground until further rescue options are assessed.
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Consequences and Investigations
So far, there have been no reports of damage to the hull of the tanker, pollution, or injuries. The tanker is currently not obstructing traffic in the main shipping channel, but port operations have been affected due to the response to this incident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has announced that an investigation has been initiated and will board the vessel to interview crew members and collect evidence once conditions improve.
Investigators have ordered that the voyage data recorder be preserved, and information related to AIS and other tracking data, weather conditions, and records of the crew, operator, and maintenance be reviewed. An initial report is expected to be published in about two months.
Additionally, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has detained the Cape Falcon under navigation law to assess the vessel's seaworthiness. This tanker, built in 2022, is approximately 292 meters long and 45 meters wide, with a deadweight capacity of 182,066 tons.
This incident occurred near one of Australia's major export gateways. Gladstone port handles large quantities of coal, LNG, alumina, and other goods, and this incident could have significant impacts on the supply chain of these commodities.
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