Published on Australian Maritime Safety Authority (https://www.amsa.gov.au)



2023 monthly domestic commercial vessel incident reports

The information you provide in your incident report plays an important part in guiding the way we improve maritime safety for everybody on the water.

By reporting marine incidents to us, you are also meeting your reporting obligations under Australian laws.



December 2023

Incidents involving domestic commercial vessels reported in December 2023 will be captured in the Marine incident annual report 2023.

November 2023

There were 79 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in November 2023. Of these, 30 were serious.

Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.

StateVessel typeIncident
NSWClass 1Vessel made contact with submerged rocks in high tide. Vessel experienced water ingress and required evacuation. No injuries reported.
NSWClass 2Passenger sustained ankle dislocation during rough weather conditions. Passenger required medevac via ambulance.
NSWClass 2Vessel propellers fouled by rope while undertaking buoy retrieval. Vessel required tow assistance to return to port.
NSWClass 2Vessel capsized with two crew members onboard while operating the lift crane. Vessel was later re-floated. No pollution or injuries.
NSWClass 2Vessel experienced a small main engine turbo charger fire. Fire was extinguished by crew and no further damage sustained.
NSWClass 4Vessel collided with moored yacht and sustained significant damage. Three people sustained serious injuries. Vessel was operated by an unauthorised person.
NSWClass 4Vessel collided with another vessel. Both vessels sustained significant damage. No injuries.
NTClass 1Vessel ran aground on shoal. Vessel sustained damage to the keel cooling pipe. No other damages or injuries reported.
NTClass 3Vessel collided with another boat while undertaking evasive measures to avoid collision with a different vessel. Two persons fell overboard without lifejackets. No damage reported.
QLDClass 1Vessel collided with a sailing boat while underway. The sailing vessel broke in half and the occupant fell into the water. The person was recovered without injury.
QLDClass 1Crew member fell overboard during vessel berthing. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.
QLDClass 1Vessel collided with pontoon following a control failure. Both vessels sustained damage. No injuries sustained.
QLDClass 1Vessel ran aground on a sandbank after drifting due to water conditions. The vessel required assistance to refloat.
QLDClass 1Crew member sustained chest injuries during loading operations. Crew member required medevac via ambulance.
QLDClass 1Crew member sustained finger crush injury during vessel berthing. Crew member required medevac via helicopter.
QLDClass 1Two crew members sustained an electric shock following a machinery fault. Crew members required medical attention.
QLDClass 2Vessel experienced water ingress in engine room while conducting towing operations. Small hole was identified and covered. No further damages or injuries reported.
QLDClass 2Vessel collided with another vessel while underway. Vessel sustained significant damage.
QLDClass 3Vessel experienced an electronic failure of the main engine while underway. Vessel required tow assistance to return to berth. No further damage or injuries reported.
QLDClass 3Crew member sustained crush injury following an engineering failure of try-frame. Crew member required medevac via helicopter.
QLDClass 3Diver sustained arm injury following shark attack. Diver required medevac via helicopter.
QLDClass 3Vessel experienced flooding following bilge pumps failure. Crew abandoned the vessel. All crew members were recovered and transferred ashore.
QLDClass 4Personal watercraft (PWC) capsized following structural failure. Two persons fell into the water and sustained minor injuries.
QLDClass 4Passenger sustained back injury following a large wave. Passenger required medevac via ambulance.
SAClass 3Crew member sustained serious crush injury to hand while anchoring. Crew member required medical attention.
TASClass 3Vessel made contact with rock while undertaking fishing operation. Vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress.
VICClass 1Passenger fell overboard while underway. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.
VICClass 1Passenger jumped overboard while the vessel was underway. Passenger was recovered and required first aid.
VICClass 2Crew member fell from the deck of the launch and became suspended from the lines.  Crew member recovered without injury.
WAClass 3Vessel experienced total power failure at sea. Crew activated EPIRB and received assistance to return to port.
October 2023

There were 92 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in October 2023.

Of these, 27 were serious and 2 very serious.

Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.   

StateVessel typeIncident
NSWClass 1Vessel collided with multiple vessels following a gearbox failure. Vessel required a tow to return to berth. 
NSWClass 1Crew member sustained a finger fracture while lifting a hatch door. Crew member required medical attention.  
NSWClass 2Vessel swamped by the wake of passing vessels. Two persons fell onboard. They were wearing life jackets and recovered without injury. 
QldClass 1Vessel main engines failed while underway. Vessel required a tow to return to berth.
QldClass 1Vessel experienced catastrophic gearbox failure while underway. Passengers were airlifted ashore, and the vessel required tow to return to anchorage.
QldClass 1Vessel collided with an anchored vessel while underway. The anchored vessel sustained significant damage and sunk. No injuries reported.
QldClass 1Vessel collided with another vessel’s bridge while berthing. The vessel’s hull sustained hull damage above the waterline. 
QldClass 1Vessel outboard engine ignited during pre-start checks. Flames extinguished before significant damage was sustained.
QldClass 2Crew member fell overboard while line handling. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.
QldClass 2Passenger fell overboard while passing over a small swell. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.
QldClass 2Vessel collided with a barge while assisting another vessel berth. Vessel sustained hull damage and no injuries reported.  
QldClass 2Vessel experienced water ingress following hull damage from vacuum truck. Approximately 2 litres of oily bilge water inadvertently pumped overboard.
QldClass 2Vessel collided with reef during high winds. Vessel sustained significant damage to steering system.
QldClass 3Vessel experienced total power failure at sea. Vessel drifted for 3 hours before anchoring.
QldClass 3Vessel sank at mooring following a bilge pump failure. Vessel scheduled for salvage.
QldClass 3Crew member sustained serious injury while undertaking repairs and required medevac via helicopter.
QldClass 4Passenger sustained back injury following large wake and required medevac. 
QldClass 4Collision with another jetski resulting in damage.
TASClass 3Crew member fell overboard while transiting through vessel. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. 
VICClass 2Vessel collided with the reef at speed. Vessel suffered immediate flooding and mechanical failure. The crew abandoned ship to a liferaft and all were retrieved. 
VICClass 2Pilot fell between the launch and ship's hull while disembarking ship. The pilot was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. 
WAClass 1Vessel collided with the wharf during strong weather conditions. Vessel sustained significant hull damage.
WAClass 1Crew member sustained serious injury while releasing tender for tow and required medevac.
WAClass 2Vessel sank on the mooring during strong weather conditions.  
WAClass 2Vessel ran aground while returning to berth. Vessel required assistance to refloat.  
WAClass 2Vessel experienced a small generator fire. A crew member sustained an electric shock from a live wire while extinguishing the fire. 
WAClass 3Crew member sustained serious injury while setting cray pots and required medevac via helicopter. 
August 2023

There were 78 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in August 2023. Of these, 23 were serious.

Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.   

StateVessel typeIncident
NSWClass 1Passenger fell down internal stairs while the vessel was at anchor. Passenger sustained serious injuries and required medevac. 
NSWClass 4Vessel collided with a bridge and sustained damaged to deck while underway. Multiple people fell over and sustained injury.
QldClass 1Crew member hit head while disembarking vessel. Crew member sustained head injury and required medevac.
QldClass 1Passenger fell over on the aft deck during rough weather conditions. Passenger sustained injury and required hospitalisation.
QldClass 1Crew member sustained a crush injury to their thumb while placing a berthing line on a bollard and required medevac. 
QldClass 1The vessel encountered large swell waves. Passenger sustained injury and required medevac.
QldClass 1Vessel disabled while underway following engines shut down several times. Vessel required assistance returning to berth.  
QldClass 1Vessel experienced flooding while underway. Volunteer Marine Rescue offered assistance and shadowed the vessel to shore. 
QldClass 2Vessel grounded and sustained damage during rough weather conditions. Assistance required to refloat vessel. No injuries reported.
QldClass 2Vessel capsized following failed mooring arrangement overnight. No persons onboard.
QldClass 2Crew member fell overboard while releasing the last mooring line. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.
QldClass 2Personal watercraft collided with channel marker while underway with a crew member and passenger onboard.
Both persons were wearing lifejackets and were recovered without injury.
QldClass 2Crew member experienced electric shock while testing the emergency lighting. Crew member transferred to hospital for assessment.
QldClass 2Vessel engine room hatch cover fell on a crew member’s foot. Crew member sustained foot injury and transferred to hospital.
QldClass 2Vessel sustained fire to lagging in engine bay. Fire isolated and fire extinguished.
QldClass 2Two persons fell off personal watercraft after turning at speed. Both persons were wearing lifejackets and were recovered without injury.
QldClass 2 Vessel grounded in rough weather conditions. Vessel sustained damage and required assistance required to re-float.  
QldClass 3Vessel capsized following a large wave hit. Two crew members activated a beacon while on the upturned dory. Both crew members were located and recovered without injury. 
QldClass 3Crew member was momentarily crushed between hopper and 300kg bag of seafood. The crew member required medevac.
SAClass 2Crew member slipped while placing mooring line on bollard. Crew member sustained injury and required medical examination.
WAClass 1Passenger experienced pain following vessel encounter with a large wave. The passenger sustained an injury and required medevac. 
WAClass 1Passenger experienced pain while the vessel transited through the falls. Passenger sustained injury and required treatment in hospital. 
WAClass 2Vessel towing arrangement separated while underway at night. Towed vessel was monitored and recovered in following days.
July 2023

There were 82 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in July 2023. Of these, 17 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 typeIncident 
NSWClass 1Passenger jumped overboard while the vessel was underway. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. 
NSWClass 2Crew member fell overboard during mooring operation. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. 
NSWClass 2Vessel capsized while assisting a grounded vessel. Crew were wearing lifejackets and swam to the beach. Two crew members sustained serious injuries and required medevac.
 NSWClass 3Vessel sunk alongside at berth. No persons onboard at the time. No pollution reported.
NSWClass 4Vessel’s mooring failed and collided with multiple vessels while adrift. No persons onboard at the time.
NTClass 2Crew member sustained a finger fracture during loading and required hospital treatment.
QldClass 1Crew member fell overboard while the vessel remained in gear manoeuvring. The crew member was recovered with no injuries reported.  
QldClass 1Two passengers jumped overboard while the vessel berthed. The passengers were not wearing lifejackets and were recovered without injury. 
QldClass 2Crew member lost balance following the vessel being struck by multiple large waves. Crew member sustained a leg fracture and required medevac.  
QldClass 2Vessel grounded while operating at night. Two crew members were injured and required hospitalisation.
 QldClass 2Vessel’s engine bay caught fire following a cabling issue. Fire suppression activated and required assistance to return to harbour. No injuries or pollution reported. 
QldClass 2Vessel grounded on rocks while assisting another vessel. The vessel required assistance off the rocks and returned to port under own propulsion.
QldClass 3Vessel experienced major main engine failure while departing wharf. Vessel to complete repairs at anchorage. 
 TasClass 3Vessel’s alternator caught fire while berthed. A crew member extinguished the fire and alternator has since been replaced. 
VicClass 2Vessel’s port engine well flooded during a fishing charter. A crew member identified the transom inspection cap was missing. Vessel returned to port on one engine. 
WAClass 1Vessel capsized during poor weather conditions. No fuel or pollutant substances onboard.
WAClass 2 Vessel experienced significant water ingress through side access door due to bow heaving into the water during a large wave. No injuries or vessel damage sustained.  
June 2023

There were 82 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in June 2023. Of these, 21 were serious and one very serious.    

Very serious and serious incidents containing sensitive information or information that may identify individual persons or vessels have not been included below.    

 

StateVessel type Incident
NSW Class 1 Passenger fell down a flight of stairs and sustained a head laceration. The passenger required medevac.
NSWClass 3 Two passengers and a crew member fell into the water while boarding the vessel. The crew member sustained a head laceration. All persons were recovered and required medevac.  
NT Class 3 Vessel disabled following main engine failure. Vessel required a tow to return to port. 
QLD Class 1 Vessel line parted during passenger transfer operation in rough weather conditions. A crew member sustained minor abrasions due to the parting line. 
QLD Class 1 Vessel ran aground in shallow water. Vessel required a tow to return to port.
QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with a helipad while berthing in rough weather conditions. A passenger fell forward into the guard rail and sustained a fractured sternum. 
QLD Class 1 Vessel collided with a pile while underway. The collision threw crew and passengers off their feet. 10 persons received medical treatment. 
QLD Class 1 Crew member fell overboard while climbing the vessel’s roof. Crew member was not wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury.  
QLD Class 2 Crew member fell down a flight of stairs during shift. Crew member sustained a head laceration and required medevac.  
QLD Class 2 Vessel rotated and capsized. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and was recovered without injury. 
QLD Class 2 Vessel hit a wave during training exercise. Two crew members sustained injuries due to impact. 
QLD Class 2 Vessel engine room flooded when pipe used to suction bilge water penetrated hull. 
QLD Class 3 Vessel experienced main engine failure while underway. Vessel required a tow to return to port.  
QLD Class 4 Vessel ran grounded while attempting to retrieve tender. Vessel required assistance and refloated next tide.  
QLD Class 4 Passenger’s leg sustained injuries while swimming around back of vessel. The passenger required medevac. 
QLD Class 4 Personal watercraft struck a rock at speed. The rock punctured a hole through the ski. No injuries reported. 
TAS Class 2 Two divers failed to be located at time of expected resurface. A search was undertaken by emergency services. Divers were located and taken to hospital for medical attention.
TAS Class 2 Vessel capsized while undertaking mooring maintenance. Two persons fell overboard and were recovered without injury. 
WA Class 1 Vessels collided during crew transfer operation. Vessel sustained hull damage. No injuries reported.
WAClass 3 Vessel sustained significant damage to wheelhouse following a hit from a rogue wave. No injuries reported. 


 

May 2023

There were 99 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2023. Of these, 17 were serious and one 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 
WA Class 2 Vessel was retrieving scientific equipment from the sea when unexpected waves swamped the vessel. Three persons fell overboard and were rescued by another vessel nearby and brought ashore safely. Vessel was lost at sea. 
WA Class 2 Vessel experienced mechanical failure of spud legs while under tow. Subsequently, the vessel was pinned to the seabed and hull integrity was compromised.  
WA Class 3 Unattended vessel caught fire from pot of oil left on stove. Significant damage sustained to galley and console equipment. Repairs in progress. 
NSW Class 1 Vessel collided with wharf following an operational control error while departing. Significant damage sustained to the starboard bow and one crew member sustained a minor injury. 
NSW Class 1 Passenger dived overboard without a lifejacket and swam to shore. No injuries were reported. 
NSW Class 1 Vessel made contact with ferry cables at full speed. Ferry cables damaged and partially severed.  
NSW Class 2 Crew member fell overboard following the vessel’s motor stalling. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered with minor injury. 
NSW Class 3 Master fell asleep at the helm and vessel grounded. Significant damage and water ingress sustained.  
NSW Class 3 Vessel sunk at berth with 2000 litres of diesel onboard. Pollution contained by deployment of absorbent boom. No injuries reported.  
NT Class 1 Vessel collided with a tree following loss of control while turning at speed. Two passengers sustained significant injuries and required medical treatment at hospital.  
NT Class 3 Vessel suffered a total power failure following failure of main genset. Vessel required a tow to return to port. 
QLD Class 1 Crew member fell overboard while securing transfer vessel. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. 
QLD Class 1 Crew member fell overboard while berthing. Crew member was not wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury.  
QLD Class 1 Vessel sunk at mooring. No fuel/oil pollution reported. Vessel has since re-floated.  
QLD Class 1 Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket and swam to shore. No injuries were reported. 
QLD Class 2 Passenger fell overboard while boarding vessel. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket and recovered without injury. 
QLD Class 2 Two crew members fell overboard from an unpowered punt. The vessel capsized following uneven weight distribution. Both crew members were wearing lifejackets and recovered without injury.  
TAS Class 3 Vessel collided with a moored vessel. The moored vessel sustained damage.  
April 2023

There were 80 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2023. Of these, 16 were serious and one 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 
NSWClass 4 Vessel ran aground on mudbank on route to marina damaging both engines.
NSWClass 1 Main engine shut down unexpectedly while operating close to wharf. Vessel towed to berth.
NSWClass 1 Passenger who was sitting in the trampoline net was flung overboard and passed through the tunnel of the catamaran. Crew member entered water to assist passenger recovery. Passenger experienced minor physical injury.
NTClass 2  Vessel yawed and grounded following tidal movement while departing landing. No damage to vessel or environment.
QLD Class 3Vessel collided with another vessel berthed at wharf while coming alongside, causing damaged trawler arm.
QLDClass 2Passenger dislocated shoulder when lifting another passenger onto the dive vessel from the water. Medevac by ambulance was required for treatment ashore.
QLDClass 1 Crew member received an electric shock from a damaged power board when trying to plug in a device from a passenger. Went to hospital for medical assessment and declared unfit for duties.
QLD Class 1 Vessel went off-course and grounded on an unsighted coral bommie, damaging props and rudders following misalignment of GPS.  
QLD Class 3 Vessel was abandoned and sank after taking on water through prop shaft. Two crew members abandoned vessel with life jackets, EPIRB and life ring. Secondary vessel in area assisted with the recovery of the crew.
QLDClass 4 Vessel hull breached following grounding on uncharted coral bommie at mooring area. Water ingress stopped and vessel returned to port.
QLDClass 4Vessel’s head sail was struck, pushed and grounded to sand bar. 
QLDClass 1While conducting rope work, crew member's thumb was caught between guard rail and rope causing injury to thumb. Crew member sent ashore for medical treatment. 
QLDClass 2 Vessel drifted and grounded following chafing of mooring line. Vessel suffered prop damage and required re-floating and tow to berth for repair. 
SAClass 3Vessel capsized following rogue wave and two crew members were thrown overboard. Crew members activated EPIRB and were rescued. No injuries sustained.
SAClass 3Stabilisers damaged and vessel hull breached following grounding on shallow reef. 
WAClass 3 Vessel sustained damage to propellor and machinery following contact with cray pots. Vessel required substantial repairs to return to operation.
WAClass 2 Vessel experienced gearbox failure. Required a tow to port for repairs.
March 2023

There were 90 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2023. Of these, 27 were serious and 2 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 
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Vessel grounded after main engine became stuck in astern propulsion. No injuries or pollution reported.
NSWClass 1 - PassengerPassenger fell and made contact with railing on the main deck. They sustained injuries to their back and required medevac by ambulance.
NSWClass 1 - PassengerVessel made contact with a submerged object. Damage to propellors, gear shafts and skegs.
NSWClass 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member fell backwards and hit their head while vessel was underway in rough water conditions. Crew member received medical treatment onshore. 
QLD Class 1 - PassengerPassenger jumped overboard without lifejacket. Passenger exited the water without assistance from the vessel. 
QLDClass 1 - PassengerVessel sunk while moored to jetty.
QLDClass 1 - PassengerPassenger jumped overboard without lifejacket. Recovered without injury. 
QLD Class 1 - PassengerVessel made heavy contact with jetty pylon while berthing in strong weather conditions. Vessel sustained damage to the bow. 
QLD Class 1 - Passenger Vessel made contact with buoy. Damage to propellor and buoy. 
QLDClass 4 - Hire ‘n’ DriveJet ski collided at high speed with anchored tender vessel. The tender sustained significant damage, rendering it inoperable.
QLDClass 2 - Non-PassengerTug sustained hull damage following collision with towed vessel during towing operations.
QLDClass 2 - Non-Passenger Crew member wearing a lifejacket went overboard from tender vessel when assisting a disabled jet ski. Crew member was recovered without injury.
QLDClass 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel was struck by a large wave and capsized. Crew member and diver onboard went into the water and sustained minor injuries.
QLDClass 2 - Non-PassengerPerson wearing a lifejacket went overboard while their vessel was under tow. Towing vessel recovered them from the water. No injuries reported.  
QLDClass 2 - Non-PassengerVessel experienced gearbox oil cooler failure on both engines. After conducting repairs, engine speed remained limited. Vessel directed to go to anchor to effect complete repairs before continuing passage.
Thursday Island Class 2 - Non-Passenger Vessel grounded on the wrong side of the channel. Damage to starboard propellor.
VICClass 2 - Non-PassengerVessel swung around to approach jetty creating a significant wash. Storage platform barge was flipped on its side in the wash and all items on the deck slid into the water.
VIC Class 2 - Non-PassengerVessel ran out of fuel following extended voyage duration in strong weather conditions. Vessel required assistance from rescue vessel.
VIC Class 2 - Non-PassengerTowage vessel experienced blackout during berthing operations of container ship. Power was restored shortly after.  
WA Class 1 - PassengerVessel grounded high on reef and sustained damage to starboard side.
WAClass 1 - PassengerPassenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket and swam to shore.  
WAClass 2 - Non-PassengerVessel made hard contact with the gangway of another vessel and the gangway swung violently. Person on the gangway experienced bruising and pain.
WAClass 2 - Non-PassengerVessel experienced fire in the engine room. Fire was extinguished and no injuries or significant damage reported.  
WAClass 2 - Non-PassengerVessel's compressor caught fire and was extinguished by crew. No major damage or injuries reported. 
WAClass 3 - Fishing (commercial)Vessel grounded on rocks. One passenger taken to hospital with unknown injuries.  
WAClass 3 - Fishing (commercial)Vessel clipped a reef, damaging the hull and causing water ingress. Vessel beached itself to undertake repairs. 
VICClass 1 - PassengerVessel collided with a windsurfer. Windsurfer was pulled ashore by onlookers and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
February 2023

There were 91 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2023. Of these, 13 were serious and one 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 
QLDClass 1 - Passenger Vessel experienced engine failure while boarding passengers. Vessel grounded on the beach due to strong winds. No injuries reported.
WAClass 3 – Fishing (commercial) Crew member was struck by a saw shark during fishing operations. Crew member sustained serious injuries to their arm and required medical treatment.
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Vessel experienced catastrophic engine failure while underway.
VICClass 1 - Passenger Hire 'n' drive vessel was struck by recreational rowing vessel resulting in significant damage to both vessels. Passenger on board the hire 'n' drive vessel sustained injuries to their back requiring treatment by paramedics.
NSWClass 2 – Non-PassengerVessel experienced water ingress following suspected hull breach. Investigation ongoing.
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Vessel experienced main engine failure and was disabled at anchor. Vessel was unable to retrieve anchor after main engine power was restored. Anchor was released and later recovered by divers.
NSWClass 1 – PassengerVessel experienced significant water ingress through hull requiring emergency assistance to stay afloat. Vessel was removed from the water for repairs.
QLDClass 1 - Passenger Passenger on a diving trip suffered a medical episode and became unconscious. Required medevac by helicopter.
NSWClass 1 – PassengerVessel approaching mooring was caught in a sudden storm resulting in collision with another vessel.
NSWClass 1 – PassengerVessel propulsion was engaged while vessel was preparing to weigh anchor, resulting in collision with another vessel.
QLDClass 1 - Passenger Vessel made contact with wharf while berthing in high winds and sustained damage to the hull. No injuries reported.
WAClass 1 – PassengerCrew member fell in the engine room while carrying out maintenance. Crew member sustained injuries to their wrist and elbow requiring treatment at hospital.
NSWClass 1 – PassengerVessel experienced fire in engine bay resulting in significant damage. All passengers and crew were evacuated without injury.
NSWClass 1 – PassengerPassenger went overboard without a lifejacket and sustained injuries to their face. Another passenger followed them into the water to assist. Both passengers were recovered and met by ambulance for medical treatment.
January 2023

There were 104 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2023. Of these, 22 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 - Passenger Passenger wearing a lifejacket went overboard in rough water conditions. Passenger recovered by members of the public and taken to hospital for further treatment. Four other passengers sustained injuries requiring medevac.
NSWClass 3 – Fishing (commercial) Significant damage to vessel following engine room fire. No injuries to crew on board.   
NSW Class 1 - Passenger Passenger fell into water while disembarking. Passenger was recovered with minor injuries and required first aid.
TASClass 1 - Passenger Vessel collided with another vessel. Stand-on vessel sustained damage above the water line. No injuries were reported. 
QLD Class 3 – Fishing (commercial) Crew member went overboard when vessel grounded on a reef. Crew member sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for further treatment.  
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Sailing vessel capsized after sail collided with commercial vessel.
QLDClass 3 – Fishing (commercial) Vessel collided with another vessel. No injuries or other damage reported.
NSW Class 1 - Passenger Vessel collided with Ferry cables causing the guide cable to break.
QLDClass 2 – Non-Passenger Vessel experienced generator fire. Fire was extinguished and damaged machinery was replaced.
WAClass 2 – Non-Passenger Crew member wearing a lifejacket fell overboard during ship-to-ship transfer. Crew member was retrieved and sustained minor injuries.  
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Passenger without a lifejacket fell into water between the wharf and vessel. Passenger was retrieved and met by ambulance for medical treatment.
NTClass 2 – Non-Passenger Vessel experienced engine breakdown while underway and required towing assistance.
VIC Class 3 – Fishing (commercial) Crew member was lifting stabiliser wing when the wing was struck by a wave. Crew member’s arm became trapped between the wing and the vessel.
QLD Class 4 – Hire ‘n’ Drive Jet ski hirer collided with another jet ski. Jet ski was damaged and the operator of the other jet ski was injured. Medevac by ambulance was required.
QLDClass 2 – Non-Passenger Crew member lost control of vessel in rough water conditions during berthing and collided with a recreational vessel.
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Crew member without a lifejacket fell overboard during berthing operations. Crew member was recovered from the water and no injuries were reported.
NSWClass 1 - Passenger Passenger sustained back injury during high-speed thrill ride and required medevac.
QLD Class 2 – Non-Passenger Vessel experienced main engine shut down while berthing following heavy contact with wharf. Minor damage to vessel and wharf.
QLDClass 3 – Fishing (commercial) Diver holding onto side of vessel lost grip when the crew member driving the vessel slipped. The diver was struck by propeller and required medical treatment at shore facility.
NSWClass 2 – Non-Passenger Crew member performing in flyboard show sustained injuries when completing a backflip. Crew member required medevac.  
Last updated: 23 February 2024