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The Response to the Iron Baron Oil Spill
Introduction
The Iron Baron, a 37.557 dwt BHP chartered bulk carrier (built in 1985) grounded on Hebe Reef at the approach to the Tamar River, northern Tasmania at 1930 hours (7.30pm) EST on Monday, 10 July, 1995. The vessel had departed from the NSW port of Port Kembla on Saturday, 8 July, 1995, with a 24,000 tonne cargo of manganese ore that had been loaded at Groote Island, bound for the BHP owned TEMCO facility at Bell Bay which is located some 12 km inside the Tamar River estuary and within the port of Launceston. Weather conditions prevailing at the time were north westerly winds of 20-25 knots with 2 metre seas.
Shortly after the grounding, it was confirmed bunker fuel oil had escaped later estimated at around 300 tonnes. The ships crew were safely evacuated, whilst National Plan response arrangements were initiated. Weather conditions deteriorated and with the prevailing tidal conditions, oil impacted shorelines in the vicinity of Low Head. There was significant impact on wildlife, particularly little penguins.
Whilst work continued to refloat the casualty clean-up of affected shorelines was underway. A large wildlife collection, treatment and rehabilitation program was established at the pilot station complex at Low Head, north of George Town.
The ship was refloated on Sunday, 16 July, 1995 and the vessel moved to an anchorage, some two miles offshore. The Port of Launceston Authority imposed a number of conditions to be met in relation to port safety and environmental protection, before the vessel could enter port.
There was further oil released from under the ship following the refloating, some of which was successfully collected at sea whilst some impacted Bakers Beach and the Rubicon River estuary in the vicinity of Port Sorell. Several Bass Strait near shore islands were impacted at some locations. These islands were also the scene for a concentrated wildlife collection effort.
Underwater inspections and onboard assessments confirmed major structural damage had occurred and with the ships condition reported to be deteriorating, and adverse weather predicted, BHP as ship owner, decided to dump the vessel. The Commonwealth Environment Protection Agency approved a disposal site some 53 miles east of Flinders Island. After towing to the dumping area, the Iron Baron sank around 1930 hours (7.30pm), Sunday, 30 July, 1995.
The response to this incident indicated that arrangements established under the parameters of the National Plan worked well. There was effective leadership and management of the response by the On-Scene Co-ordinator, Captain Charles Black and his team. He was supported by the State Marine Pollution Committee, primarily based in Hobart Tasmanian and interstate agencies, AMSA, industry, particularly BHP, AMOSC, private companies, local businesses and a large volunteer workforce.
(Note: A chronological summary of key events is included as Appendix 6.)
The Issues - Discussion, Findings and Recommendations
In preparing this Report, the Review Group identified 36 issues which they considered warranted detailed consideration.
These issues are grouped into six categories, relating to:
In the remainder of this Report, each issue is separately addressed. Where appropriate, recommendations follow the discussion and findings relating to each issue.