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- July - September 2025
There were 263 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in Quarter 3. Of these, 41 were serious and 1 very serious.
- In July, 85 reported marine incidents were received, 12 were serious.
- In August, 92 reported marine incidents were received, 12 were serious.
- In September, 86 marine incidents were reported, 17 were serious and 1 very serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
July
State Vessel type Incident NSW Class 1 Vessel drifted from gangway during disembarkation. Master and two passengers fell overboard without lifejackets. All persons were recovered without injury. NSW Class 2 Crew member fell overboard during an emergency stop drill. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. NSW Class 4 Crew member fell overboard during boarding. Crew member was recovered and sustained fractures to multiple ribs. NT Class 2 Contractor fell between vessel and jetty while disembarking. Contractor was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. NT Class 2 Fuel spilled into a lit gas oven while refuelling a generator. Two vessels sustained significant fire damage. Crew member sustained serious burns and required medevac for treatment. QLD Class 1 Two passengers jumped overboard. It is unknown if they were wearing lifejackets. Both passengers recovered without injury. QLD Class 2 Crew member fell off PWC while crossing a coastal bar. Crew member recovered and was transported to hospital for a knee injury. QLD Class 2 Pilot fell overboard during disembarkation. Pilot was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. TAS Class 1 Crew member fell overboard after a large wave struck during berthing in rough conditions. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. TAS Class 2 Contractor tripped and fell while preparing for disembarking. Contractor sustained injuries and required treatment in hospital. TAS Class 3 Vessel ran aground on an island and sustained hull damage. Temporary repairs completed. VIC Class 2 Crew member fell overboard during towing operations. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. August
State Vessel type Incident NSW Class 1 Crew member sustained crush injury while adjusting mooring lines in strong weather conditions. Crew member required treatment in hospital. NSW Class 2 Vessel stalled and became adrift after a rock was caught between the prop and prop guard. Vessel made contact with a tree stump and took on water. Crew abandoned vessel swam to the shoreline wearing lifejackets. NSW Class 2 Vessel collided with a moored vessel while approaching the dock. Both vessels sustained damage. QLD Class 1 Vessel partially sank at berth with no persons onboard. QLD Class 2 Three crew members exhibited symptoms of dizziness, light-headedness and disorientation following their shift. Crew tested positive for CO and CO2 with low oxygen saturation. QLD Class 2 Crew member fell overboard attempting to secure tow line to a capsized vessel. Crew member retrieved and sustained injury. It is not known whether they were wearing a lifejacket at the time. QLD Class 2 Vessel disabled following engine stall and unsuccess attempts to restart. Passengers were transferred to shore by another vessel. Disabled vessel was towed to safety. QLD Class 2 Crew member wearing a lifejacket fell overboard transferring between vessels. Crew member reached nearby shore without injury. QLD Class 3 Vessel disabled following significant oil loss resulting in damage to engine. Vessel towed back to wharf. SA Class 2 Vessel sank while being towed. The rear jacking leg of the towed vessel dropped to the seabed as the vessel was turning. Towed vessel sustained hull damage and subsequently sank. TAS Class 3 Vessel grounded on sandbar during low tide and poor visibility. Vessel suffered loss of rudder and was safely towed back to port. VIC Class 3 Master operating alone went overboard following vessel capsize. Master was wearing a lifejacket and was able to swim to nearby shore for assistance. September
State Vessel type Incident NSW Class 1 Crew member went overboard while attempting to recover a line that had come loose during adverse weather. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. NSW Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket and exited water at the shore. NSW Class 2 Vessel’s starboard propulsion unit became entangled in a towline during a towing operation. Vessel was safely secured alongside. NSW Class 3 Two crew members not wearing lifejackets went overboard following vessel capsizing in rough seas. Crew were rescued without injury. NT Class 2 Engines shut down during voyage due to smoke permeating from starboard engine gearbox coupling. Vessel safely returned to port on one engine. QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with starboard lateral mark while clearing its berth. No significant damage reported. QLD Class 1 Crew member fell overboard while shortening tow line. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with a berthed vessel during docking. Berthed vessel sustained damage to window. QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with anchored sailing yacht following loss of propulsion. The yacht sustained minor damage. QLD Class 1 Passenger not wearing a lifejacket was thrown overboard by another passenger during a buck’s party. Passenger recovered without injury. QLD Class 2 Vessel disabled following fuel filter blockage. Vessel was safely towed to shore. QLD Class 3 Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket whilst retrieving fishing gear. Subsequent searches failed to locate the missing crew member. QLD Class 3 Vessel sunk with cause yet to be determined. EPIRB activated allowing crew to be rescued by another vessel. QLD Class 4 Vessel collided with unattended moored vessel. Both vessels sustained minor damage. QLD Class 4 Two passengers fell off PWC. One passenger sustained minor injury. SA Class 2 Crew member sustained shoulder injury whilst shovelling spilled cargo. TAS Class 1 Surveyor sustained serious injuries from falling into open hatch during survey inspection. First aid was provided by crew, and surveyor was transported to hospital by ambulance. TAS Class 3 Employee sustained significant hand injury when attempting to release aft rope from bollard. Employee was provided first aid and taken to hospital by ambulance.
- April - June 2025
April 2025
There were 112 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2025. Of these, 21 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 1 Vessel dropped following unexpected swell during tour operations. 2 passengers were injured and taken to hospital for further treatment. NSW Class 1 Crew member fell overboard during vessel maintenance. It is unknown if the crew member was wearing a lifejacket. Crew member returned to vessel without assistance. NSW Class 2 Vessel grounded on rocks and sustained serious damage. 2 passengers onboard sustained serious injuries and received medevac by ambulance for further treatment. NSW Class 2 Tug propellor fouled whilst assisting another vessel during berthing. Tugboat required tow back to shore. QLD Class 1 Fire occurred on vessel whilst on hardstand. Emergency services attended and put out fire. Cause of fire being investigated by local police. QLD Class 1 Vessel sustained significant hull damage whilst underway during rough weather conditions. Passengers were transferred to support vessel. Vessel returned to shore unaided for repairs. QLD Class 2 Vessel collided with recreational vessel during rescue operations. Vessel sustained significant hull damage and 1 passenger onboard sustained minor injuries. QLD Class 2 Tender vessel capsized during dredging operations. Tender was recovered without issue. QLD Class 2 Vessel sunk at mooring. Pollution prevention was undertaken, and wreckage has since been retrieved. QLD Class 3 Crew member sustained head injury during unloading operations. Crew member received medevac by ambulance for further treatment. QLD Class 4 Vessel grounded during anchoring in rough weather conditions. Guests were evacuated before vessel began to take on water. Vessel was retrieved later without issue. TAS Class 3 Vessel collided with barge whilst underway. Crew member sustained serious injuries and received medivac for medical treatment. TAS Class 3 Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket during unberthing in rough weather conditions. Crew member was retrieved without issue. TAS Class 2 Vessel collided with a barge whilst underway. 1 crew member sustained serious injuries and received medevac by ambulance for further treatment. VIC Class 2 Vessel collided with another vessel and mast cracked during towing operations. Vessel taken out of service for repairs. VIC Class 2 During port engine maintenance, a nitrous oxide cannister was dropped and a fire broke out. Fire was extinguished with portable extinguisher. WA Class 1 Crew member was attaching gangway between vessel and wharf when they fell overboard without a lifejacket. Crew member was retrieved without issue. WA Class 2 Vessel made contact with bridge during towing operations. The vessel's mast collapsed upon contact and sustained damage. WA Class 2 Vessel encountered wave whilst underway. Master of vessel sustained serious back injury and was hospitalised for further treatment. WA Class 2 Water ingress following damage to vessel pontoon. Vessel returned to shore to avoid sinking. WA Class 2 Crew member sustained significant head laceration during winch maintenance. Crew member transferred to hospital for further treatment. May 2025
There were 104 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2025. Of these, 15 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 2 - Non-Passenger Passenger fell overboard without a lifejacket when the vessel they were travelling on collided with an anchored houseboat. The passenger was rescued and required hospitalisation. NSW Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel Pilot partially fell overboard during ship to ship transfer. The pilot was assisted back onto vessel. It is unknown if the pilot was wearing a lifejacket at the time. QLD Class 1 - Passenger A vehicle drove off a ro-ro vessel during unberthing and landed in water. Vessel crew assisted the passengers in the vessel. QLD Class 1 - Passenger Crew member attempted to prevent a collision following loss of main engine power. The crew member fell overboard without lifejacket and was retrieved without issue. QLD Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel capsized whilst assisting in a vessel recovery. 2 crew members went overboard. Both crew members were wearing lifejackets and were retrieved without issue. Vessel was recovered. QLD Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive Passenger fell overboard while operating tender vessel. The passenger sustained an arm injury requiring medevac via helicopter. It is unknown if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket at the time. QLD Unknown Crew member sustained serious injury to fingers during vessel launch. Crew member required surgical treatment. SA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel sustained extensive damage from a fire following a faulty battery. The vessel was unable to be repaired and has been decommissioned. SA Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Vessel collided with berthed vessels following loss of power during unberthing. Vessel required new alternator. TAS Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell from pilot ladder while preparing for ship to ship transfer. The deckhand required a medivac via ambulance to hospital for treatment. VIC Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Vessel grounded and 4 crew members had to evacuate the sinking vessel during fishing operations. 3 crew members were rescued via helicopter, and 1 crew member was rescued by passing vessel. It is unknown if the crew were wearing lifejackets at the time. WA Class 1 - Passenger Crew member fell overboard wearing a lifejacket, during mooring operations as an unexpected surge hit the vessel. The crew member was retrieved without issue. WA Class 1 - Passenger Crew member fell overboard wearing a lifejacket during berthing operations. The crew member returned to nearby wharf without issue. WA Class 1 - Passenger Passenger leaned onto an unlatched gate on vessel and fell overboard without a lifejacket. The passenger was retrieved without issue. WA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket when disembarking the vessel. The crew member was retrieved and had sustained neck and shoulder injuries. The crew member was taken to hospital for further treatment. June 2025
There were 82 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in June 2025. Of these, 13 were serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 2 Unattended vessel capsized during an overnight weather event. Machinery onboard was unable to be recovered. NT Class 1 Passenger fell overboard during tour charter. It is not known if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket at the time. The passenger was retrieved from the water by vessel. NT Class 1 Passenger fell between pontoon and vessel during boarding. Passenger was retrieved and provided first aid. NT Class 3 2 crew fell overboard when vessel capsized during fishing operations. It is unknown if the crew members were wearing lifejackets at the time. The crew were assisted by a passing vessel. QLD Class 1 Vessel became disabled following start motor failure. The vessel required tow back to shore. QLD Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard while the vessel was berthed. The passenger refused assistance and swam to shore. It is not known if they were wearing a lifejacket at the time. QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with anchored yacht whilst underway and the yacht sank. QLD Class 1 Vessel's engine lost power following cylinder fault. Vessel required tow to shore. QLD Class 2 2 jet ski operators fell overboard when the jet skis collided whilst underway. Both operators were wearing lifejackets at the time. 1 of the jet skis sustained damage. QLD Class 2 Tender vessel became swamped during rough seas. 4 crew on board required rescue. Crew and vessel were retrieved by parent ship. QLD Class 2 Vessel became disabled following port engine control issue. Vessel required tow to shore. SA Class 2 Vessel grounded whilst towing. Vessel sustained water ingress and hull damage from grounding. Vessel was returned to wharf for repairs. VIC Class 2 Crew member fell overboard without a life jacket during ship to ship transfer. Crew member was retrieved and provided first aid.
- January - March 2025
January 2025
There were 110 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2025. Of these, 7 were serious and 1 was very serious.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 3 Vessel encountered rogue wave and capsized. Two crew members went overboard without lifejackets and were rescued by helicopter. The vessel was unrecovered. NSW Class 1 Vessel sustained loss of port engine during bar crossing. Passengers were assisted by another vessel. Disabled vessel was towed back to berth. NSW Class 2 Vessel experienced engine failure and was disabled following weather change where the deck became flooded. Vessel was towed back to shore. QLD Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket during berthing. Passenger swam to shore unassisted. QLD Class 2 Two persons went overboard whilst operating a jet ski. It is unknown if they were wearing lifejackets at the time. One of the passengers was recovered unconscious from the water and was medevacked via ambulance. WA Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket. Passenger rejoined vessel before disembarking. WA Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket. Passenger returned to vessel unassisted. WA Class 2 Vessel was assisting with tow when tow line fouled prop, disabling the vessel. Both vessels drifted onto bank and required assistance to refloat. February 2025
There were 101 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2025. Of these, 12 were serious and 1 was very serious. Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
Very serious
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT QLD Class 2 Vessel capsized during flood recovery. 1 person deceased; 5 other occupants went overboard. Serious
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 1 Vessel required tow. An air pocket formed in vessel's fuel tank during refuelling and vessel lost all propulsion. NSW Class 2 Crew member fell overboard wearing a life jacket during rescue training. Crew member was recovered without injury. NSW Class 3 Vessel’s stern propulsion failed and vessel collided with 2 other vessels. Machinery damage sustained by 2 vessels. NSW Class 3 Timber vessel grounded on rocky shore. Vessel was unable to be salvaged. NT Class 2 Contractor fell overboard wearing a lifejacket during mooring operations. Crew member self-rescued without injury. QLD Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket during boarding. Passenger was recovered without injury. QLD Class 2 Crew member sustained serious foot injury whilst operating tender. Crew member was medevacked for treatment. QLD Class 4 Two people went overboard when the jet ski they were operating collided with a nearby pole. It is unknown if they were wearing lifejackets at the time. First aid was provided. VIC Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard whilst vessel underway. It is unknown if they were wearing a lifejacket. Passenger was recovered without injury. WA Class 1 Passenger fell overboard during berthing. It is unknown if the passenger was wearing a lifejacket. Passenger was recovered without injury. WA Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a life jacket. Passenger swam to shore unassisted. WA Class Vessel’s jet drive system suffered oil leak. Vessel grounded and required assistance back to shore in heavy weather. March 2025
There were 96 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2025. Of these, 20 were serious and there were no very serious incidents.
Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.
STATE VESSEL TYPE INCIDENT NSW Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell overboard wearing a lifejacket during training operations in rough water conditions. No injuries were reported. NSW Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member sustained crush injury to finger during berthing operations. Crew member was taken to hospital for further treatment. NSW Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member stung by blue ring octopus during fishing operations. Crew member received medevac via ambulance for treatment. NT Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel suffered blackout following generator issues. Vessel's power returned and generator was assessed to be working normal. QLD Class 1 - Passenger Water ingress and vessel listed following contact with unknown object in water. Vessel was taken out of rotation for repairs. QLD Class 1 - Passenger Generator caught fire following alternator issues. Engine room was evacuated and fire suffocated. Alternator was replaced. QLD Class 1 - Passenger Vessel made contact with bommie and outboard engine was lost. Vessel required assistance back to shore, and engine was retrieved. QLD Class 1 - Passenger Crew member sustained serious foot laceration while loading tender. Crew member attended hospital for further treatment. SA Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member sustained hand laceration during fishing operations. Crew member attended hospital for further treatment. TAS Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Vessel collided with another vessel. Damage sustained to both vessels. TAS Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) Crew member fell overboard without a lifejacket during netting operations. Crew member was recovered successfully. No injuries were reported. VIC Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel encountered rough wave. 2 crew members were thrown overboard, and another crew member was injured. All crew were wearing lifejackets and were able to reboard the vessel. VIC Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel grounded during tow. Vessel required assistance to refloat before continuing with towage. VIC Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member received electric shock while investigating air conditioning fault. No injuries were reported. WA Class 1 - Passenger Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket. The passenger was rescued using a life ring. No injuries were reported. WA Class 1 - Passenger Engine room began smoking and fire alarm activated. Engine space was evacuated and fire services attended vessels. WA Class 1 - Passenger Vessel encountered rough waters. Crew member sustained ankle injury and received medevac via ambulance for further treatment. WA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel sunk at mooring following issues with watertight integrity near hull. Minor pollution was cleaned at the site. WA Class 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member sustained serious arm injury when using air dock. Crew member required surgery. WA Class 3 - Fishing (commercial) 2 crew members and 2 passengers were evacuated onto life raft when vessel began sinking. All 4 persons were later rescued by a passing vessel.
Last updated: 14 November 2025