The Master of the Mellum Trader requested the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s assistance on Tuesday evening, reporting the vessel had a list (a tilt) of around 35 degrees. At the time, the vessel was 190 nautical miles north-west of Broome.
The vessel altered its course away from the coast later that evening, using the movement of the ocean to reduce the list to 15 degrees.
The Far Scimitar has been travelling alongside the vessel for more than 30 hours, standing by should assistance be required.
On Wednesday night, the Mellum Trader’s Master reported the situation had stabilised and the vessel was now making its way to Broome, despite still having a 15 degrees listing.
The Mellum Trader’s owners have contracted another commercial tug to rendezvous with their vessel later today and assist with its safe passage into the port at Broome.
The Master has confirmed rough weather caused the vessel’s cargo to shift, resulting in the listing.
The Mellum Trader has 13 people on board and is carrying oil well development casings. The weather conditions include strong winds and rough seas.
AMSA would like to thank the owners and operators of the Far Scimitar for their assistance in this incident.