2020 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 2020

There were 88 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in December 2020. Of these, 26 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Very Serious – Vessel sunk during severe storm. Six occupants onboard were rescued by a neighbouring boat before Volunteer Marine Rescue assisted. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with seabed causing damage to propeller. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel lost control while berthing and collided with another vessel. Damage reported. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non -Passenger	Vessel collided with disabled yacht during rescue operation. Vessel hull breached, causing significant damage. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Tug suffered an engine failure and collided with ship bow flare during towing. Minor damage reported to both vessels. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel sunk while being towed during rescue operation. Five of the passengers were transferred safely onto the rescue vessel and were assessed by an ambulance on arrival to shore. Vessel since recovered from water with minor damage.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel made contact with the seabed numerous times after anchor was dragged during severe weather. Extent of damage to vessel unknown. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	A fire started on vessel following fuel leak from engine damage. The fire was quickly extinguished and the vessel was removed from the water for repairs. Minor damage to port side motor. No injuries reported.
NT	Class 1 – Passenger	An intoxicated passenger fell overboard. Vessel retrieved passenger who had swallowed some water. Passenger refused medical assistance.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel collided with recreational vessel. The two occupants on the recreational vessel jumped overboard. Both rescued by passenger vessel with no injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Ferry lost control and grounded during strong wind. After 2 hours the tide turned and ferry was able to re-float and secure to berth. All vehicles and passengers were safely disembarked. No damage or injuries reported.
WA	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew member suffered fractured wrist after his arm hit vessel’s stern while trying to attach a securing rope to retrieve the anchor.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing	Bow mooring line of vessel failed causing it to repeatedly swing and collide with another vessel. Damage to hull caused flooding and the vessel partially sank. Minimal environmental impact and no injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	During dive operations to retrieve sunken structure, the crew moved to the main work barge when the structure floated to the surface clipping the dive boat causing it to capsize. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Gas bottle ignited during safety briefing causing fire. Passengers evacuated and fire was put out. No damage or injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel’s steering failed resulting in no forward controls causing it to collide with another vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Passenger fell off Jetski resulting in serious injuries. Medevac required. Cause of fall unknown.
NT	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with a moored barge while entering the harbour. Damage sustained to bow anchor and nose of vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel moved on incorrect side of reef protection marker resulting in grounding flat on the reef. Remained there for 5 hours until higher tide. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non - Passenger	Diesel leak from vessel resulting in marine pollution. Vessel removed from water for assessment. No damage reported, cause of leak unknown.
QLD	Class 2 – Non - Passenger	Vessel grounding on reef. Extent of damage not reported. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Diesel fuel contamination in coolant overflow causing smoke and minor water pollution. Vessel removed from service for inspection.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with coral reef resulting in damage to guard rail. No environmental damage reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non - Passenger	Vessel turned onto sandbank and became grounded. No damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made hard contact with wharf due to wash of ferry. Damage sustained to starboard side of vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Hire boat flooded and capsized. Three persons onboard rescued from water. Vessel was righted and towed to shore. Cause unknown. No injuries reported.

November 2020

There were 73 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in November 2020. Of these, 19 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	VERY SERIOUS – Vessel took on water and sunk while fishing. Two crew members rescued from life raft after activating their EPIRB. Crew were wearing lifejackets. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger fell into water while disembarking. Recovered quickly by the crew. Minor finger injury reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Recreational vessel collided with a domestic commercial vessel. Damage to recreational vessel reported and minor injury to crew on DCV.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Hirer lost control of Jetski and ran aground in mangroves. Serious injuries sustained and a medivac was required. Damage to the Jetski reported.
NSW	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel ran aground after crew member fell asleep while on watch. Serious damage to the hull was reported with vessel possibly unrecoverable.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Large fishing charter vessel collided with a smaller fishing charter vessel. Serious damage to both vessels and minor injuries reported to multiple passengers.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel collided with recreational vessel. Minor damage and no injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Near miss collisions with 2 recreational vessels drifting together.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Engine failed after electrical fault. Vessel returned to port with assistance from tug.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Port engine breakdown following a mechanical failure. This resulted in water ingress in engine compartment. Engine was shut down and continued to shore on the starboard engine. Vessel out of service until repairs completed.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	2 Hire ‘N’ Drive Jet ski’s collided causing damage to both. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Master suffered severe finger injury while transferring passengers to tender. Medivac required.
TAS	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel ran aground after master fell asleep at the wheel. Damage to vessel unknown.
VIC	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Tender capsized while offering assistance to a capsized recreational vessel. Crew member on tender suffered foot injury and required hospitalisation. Damage reported.
WA	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel broke from mooring during strong winds and ran aground. No damage to hull reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Life raft struck the stern of vessel during launch causing damage to vessel and life raft. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Mechanical failure to main engine, causing engine to overheat and catch on fire for a brief period. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Tender capsized, crew rescued and no injuries reported. Tender was towed to shallow water and anchored. During the night the anchor rope broke, tender dragged onto reef causing significant damage. There were no crew onboard for second incident.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel collided with the stern of an offshore supply vessel during launch. Damage sustained to external collision structure and propulsion unit.

October 2020

There were 66 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in October 2020. Of these, 15 were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member sustained a back injury during crew change transfer by tender. Tender vessel returned to shore and crew member transferred to hospital.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger panicked while snorkelling. Rescue paramedics called in and pronounced passenger deceased. Cause of death unknown at this stage. Investigation underway.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Passenger sustained a fractured spine injury on tow vessel during rough sea conditions. Medivac required.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Fire onboard vessel. Cause and damage unknown at this stage.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger lost their balance and fell overboard while fishing. In efforts to retrieve them, the tender vessel capsized. Crew and passengers were rescued by a second tender vessel. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel grounded on reef. Vessel re-floated by its own power and taken to slipway for damage assessment. No injuries or pollution reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger sustained back injury after losing balance on vessel. Transferred to hospital via ambulance from jetty.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel contact with wharf following steering failure when clutch engaged on its own. Minor damage to wharf fender. No injuries reported.
NT	Class 1 – Passenger	Two passengers jumped overboard during an altercation. Both recovered by vessel. Minor injuries to one passenger. Police involved.
NSW	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew fell overboard while disembarking vessel. Crew member was not wearing a lifejacket. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel collided with recreational vessel causing two persons from the recreational vessel to fall overboard. Minor injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel lost power and propulsion due to fuel blockage. Water police assisted and transferred passengers back to jetty while crew conducted repairs.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Fire from port engine. Passengers evacuated and fire extinguished. No injuries reported. Cause unknown.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Collision with unknown vessel during passenger transfer. No injuries reported. Passengers evacuated to another vessel to complete transfer.
NT	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel was under tow, when it rolled over. Towing vessel’s tender recovered the capsized vessel. Damage assessment and repairs underway.

September 2020

There were 54 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September 2020. Of these, 18 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
NT	Class 3 – Fishing	VERY SERIOUS: Crew member fell overboard, was recovered but pronounced deceased on scene.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Master fell overboard trying to catch a falling item. Recovered, no injuries reported.
SA	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew member broke his leg when the vessel hit a rough wave. No other injuries or vessel damage reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Potential passenger overboard. Boarded vessel but not seen to disembark. Presumed lost.
NT	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member injured arm while grinding. First-aid administered on board and transferred to hospital for treatment.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Fire broke out on house boat causing serious damage. No persons on board. Investigation ongoing.
SA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Fire on barge following mechanical failure of conveyor system. Assessment of damage underway. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel grounded and subsequently flooded after being anchored too close to shore in shallow waters. All passengers evacuated and no injuries reported.
VIC	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew member suffered severe hand injury while hauling nets in.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel collided into two recreational vessels while trying to berth at a marina. Hire vessel left the scene. Incident was witnessed by a person ashore. Extensive damage to one of the vessels reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Dory capsized while manoeuvring to avoid hitting a log. Crew activated their EPIRB and they were located unharmed. The overturned dory was towed back to the parent vessel.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	An unidentified vessel collided with passenger vessel causing the propulsion cable to break. No injuries to crew or passengers reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel capsized taking on water. Swamped vessel towed to shore and passengers ferried back, no injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member injured after tripping on bulkhead and falling into the cockpit. Transferred to hospital for treatment.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Crew member suffered deep cut to palm while assisting another crew with their dive equipment. Transferred to hospital for treatment.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Dory capsized in rough weather conditions. Two crew members flung overboard, recovered safely after using a reef beacon to hold on to.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel suffered engine failure caused by faulty starter motor. Vessel was towed back to shore by marine rescue.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Gangway of vessel fell into the harbour during passenger loading. A rollaway gangway was used to get the remaining passengers and crew on board. The lost gangway was retrieved by Environmental services. No damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel ran out of fuel due to faulty fuel gauge and was left drifting with passengers on board. Another vessel attended and towed the disabled vessel back to shore. An injury to a passenger was reported during transfer.

August 2020

There were 83 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in August 2020. Of these, 26 were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	A passenger was injured in the water after being struck by a whale. Medevac required. All swimmers were in the required safe distance zone when the whale became distressed. Note: There were two separate incidents this month in which passengers were injured after being struck by a whale while in the water.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-passenger	A personal water craft collided with the stern of a vessel, causing injuries to a passenger onboard. The injured person was transferred to hospital by ambulance.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-passenger	A tug made contact with the hull of the vessel during towage operations. Damage to the mast of the tug was reported.
VIC	Class 2 - Non-passenger	A vessel made contact with a submerged rock at night time. Damage to the propeller, drive shaft and gear box housing was reported.
SA	Class 2 - Non-passenger	A collision between a tug and a barge. Damage to the tug was reported.
SA	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A contractor was conducting hot works in the fish hold when sparks ignited some rags causing a fire. Some damage reported.
NSW	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A vessel sunk with oil and fuel onboard. Three crew members were rescued by helicopter.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A vessel grounded on rocks while underway. Solo operator fell asleep following a 6 day trip at sea.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Fire in one of the engines due to a technical fault. The fire was extinguished and the vessel returned to the marina on one engine. Damage reported. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	During rough weather conditions a hire ‘n’ drive vessel sank at its mooring. No persons were onboard at the time.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Passengers injured after being struck by a whale while snorkelling on a whale watching swim tour. Medevac required for one of the passengers.
TAS	Class 1 - Passenger	A vessel parted moorings and grounded on the beach during rough weather. Another vessel also broke from its mooring and collided with the grounded vessel. Some damage reported. No persons were onboard at the time.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	A vessel grounded on rocks while servicing Aids to Navigation. Damage to propellers and bow rail reported. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	While departing a barge ramp, vessels bow thruster failed causing contact with the boat jetty. Damage to both the vessel and the jetty reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	A recreational vessel collided with berthed hire ‘N’ drive vessel. Damage to outboard protection rails reported.
NT	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Crew member bitten by sea snake. Medevac’d to nearest hospital.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Fire in engine room resulting from an electrical failure. Fire brigade required. Damage reported. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel made contact with reef resulting in main engine breakdown and loss of steering. Vessel was towed back to shore. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Fire reported in starboard generator. Fire extinguished by crew. Minimal damage reported.
NT	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Skipper fell down stairs. Injuries sustained with ambulance required.
NT	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Crew member injured from catfish spike causing nerve damage and swelling. Crew member had to attend hospital for treatment.
TAS	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with wharf while berthing. Damage to the vessels cargo and wharf reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Surfer injured during charter for film expedition while being towed by a Jetski. Paramedics boarded the vessel and stabilised the surfer before transferring to hospital.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Vessel’s stern lines parted causing a collision with a moored recreational vessel. Damage to the recreational vessel reported
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel collided multiple times with the jetty in rough weather conditions. Damage to vessel and jetty reported. Those onboard abandoned the vessel for safety.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member fell overboard while vessels were rafting up. Crew member recovered with the help from other crew.

July 2020

There were 59 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in July 2020. Of these, 20 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	VERY SERIOUS: Crewmember fell overboard and drowned. The crewmember was working solo. Currently under investigation.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Vessel struck a submerged reef and sank. The three crewmembers onboard were recovered and airlifted to shore. Possible risk of pollution risk with 3000 litres of diesel fuel and several sealed drums of engine/gearbox oils onboard. Salvage of vessel organised.
SA	Class 1 – Passenger	Reported bow thruster failure. Fire and smoke from one of the wiring connectors identified. Batteries were isolated and fire controlled.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire “N” Drive	While taking the sails down in preparation to anchor, the jib fell over and took down mast. Mast boom and rig lost at sea.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Collision with recreational vessel. Minor damage to both vessels. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Vessel started taking on water. Crew commenced pumping the water from the vessel but vessel had already taken on too much water and sank. Currently under investigation.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel collided with moored tug and barge. This happened at night and in poor lighting conditions. This made it hard to see the tug and barge. No damage, injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel sank on its mooring.
NT	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Crewmember was hauling fish onto the vessel when a jellyfish brushed up against exposed arm. The crewmember felt pain and difficulty breathing. Crewmember was medevac’d to shore for treatment.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel capsized. This happened in large swell. Also reported uneven weighting of dive gear on the vessel. All four crewmembers went overboard. Marine Rescue rescued all four crewmembers. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	A yacht grounded while sailing to Daydream Island. Chase boat assisted the vessel to float free. No damage at time of refloat. Vessel will be inspected for damage.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Master sustained injury to finger after being caught between a workboat and the vessel. This happened during unexpected vessel movement. A transfer was arranged and master transported to hospital.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Two crewmembers were snorkelling together on their day off. One of the crew was bitten by a shark on the lower leg. The injured crew was transferred to shore by paddleboard and first aid was administered. A medevac was arranged with injured crew transferred to hospital via helicopter.
VIC	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel grounded in mud/rocks as it attempted to avoid a collision with another vessel. Damage to stern gear noted. Further inspection to be carried out.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel experienced water ingress from a hull plating breach (18mm hole). A temporary plate was welded over the breach to allow the tank to be drained for inspection. No pollution or stability concerns reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Hire ‘n’ drive vessel grounded on sandbank. Operator revved up motor to pull vessel out. This caused the vessel, once re-floated, to collide with a moored houseboat. Damage sustained to both vessels.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Hire ‘n’ drive vessel capsized in shallow waters. Hirer and two other passengers who ended up in the water were rescued. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Dory capsized while returning to parent vessel. It capsized after taking on water in rough seas. The crew were quickly retrieved. No injuries reported. The Dory was recovered and towed back to the parent vessel.
NSW	Class 2 – Passenger	A crewmember was seriously injured after becoming crushed between the underside of a pile and the work punt’s motor and protection frame. Crewmember fell over the stern and into the water. He was recovered and taken to shore for treatment. SafeWork NSW are investigating the incident.
NSW	Class 2 – Passenger	Vessel grounded on sandbank. NSW Maritime Patrol was called for assistance and towed the vessel into clear water. No injuries or damage reported.

June 2020

There were 41 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in June 2020. Of these, 12 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	VERY SERIOUS – Vessel capsized suddenly during sea trials following maintenance work/warranty repairs. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	A passenger injured while spear fishing in the water. Medevac transferred the patient to hospital for treatment.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel grounded while transiting channel. Engine was stopped and waited for tide rise. Vessel re-floated, sea trial revealed damaged propeller.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel capsized after breaking away from towing vessel. Tow rope was found not to be secure. Vessel retrieved. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel collided with exposed sand at night while travelling at 12-15knots. The collision caused the vessel owner to be flung overboard sustaining injuries. No damage to the vessel, owner transferred to hospital for treatment.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessels crane wire parted on commencement of cargo operations. No damage or injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member sustained crush injury to arm after being struck by excavator preparing to lift a waste oil drum. Investigation ongoing.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel sustained a hull breach due the port stern quarter coming in contact with a pontoon. No ingress of water.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member sustained an injury after the vessel collided with an unlit mooring drum. Transferred to hospital via ambulance for treatment. Damage to the vessel unknown at this stage.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with a pontoon causing a hole in the port aft, under the passenger disembark sliding door. No passengers onboard at the time, no damage to the pontoon.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	Vessel dragged anchor onto reef causing grounding. Vessel refloated at high tide with the help of nearby vessels, during the tow back to shore, the tow rope broke causing the vessel to ground again. Damage sustained to rudder, propeller and keel from both incidents.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Customer service officer sustained injuries after slipping while boarding the vessel, causing her to fall overboard. Crew retrieved her quickly and medical assistance was called to the wharf.
SA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel grounded on sandbar while navigating shallow waters. Damage to vessel unknown.

May 2020

There were 38 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2020. Of these, 7 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	VERY SERIOUS – Crew member assumed deceased after falling overboard. Lifebuoys were deployed from the vessel and a search and rescue operation undertaken but crew member was not found. The crew member was not wearing a lifejacket.
NT	Class 4 – Hire and drive	Hirer was alone on the vessel when an accidental hard acceleration caused the vessel to plough through mangroves. Hirer sustained injuries and there was damage to the vessel. Incident under investigation.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A crew member sustained an injury to his nose when a branch line snapped causing a 60kg lead swivel to recoil. First aid was undertaken and crew member was transferred to hospital for further treatment.
SA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Two vessels collided while conducting a safety equipment inspection at close quarters. No injuries or damage reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	An unmanned vessel was found partially sunk at its normal berth. It had not been in operation for some time due to a refit. The sinking caused a considerable amount of diesel oil pollution in the water. Both the maritime environmental emergency response and Department of Transport assisted in the recovery of the vessel and oil spill clean-up.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Two jet skis collided after breaching the distancing rules set out by the vessels master. One passenger was injured and transferred to hospital
WA	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A vessel broke free from its mooring and ran aground in rough weather. No reported injuries.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	A vessel drifted across the harbour from the jetty following strong wind gusts. The master increased speed in reverse to rectify. However with limited room to manoeuvre due to a dive platform protruding, the vessel collided with another berthed vessel causing damage to the outboard motor.

April 2020

There were 31 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2020. Of these, nine were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
VIC	Class 2 – Non passenger	Pilot did not disconnect safety lanyard to pilot boat before climbing ladder. It resulted in the pilot being pulled off the ladder and back onto the vessel. The pilot hit the railing and suffered a torn bicep.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	A crew member was attacked by a shark and died after swimming off the charter vessel prior to its return to Gladstone.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	During lobster diving operations, a crew member was struck by the dory’s propeller causing lacerations to his lower body and bruising to his chest. The man suffered serious injuries and was medivaced to Cairns hospital for treatment.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	A ferry made hard contact with the wharf resulting in damage to a handrail. There was minor damage to a nearby pile and no further damage to vessel.
VIC	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A solo crew member lost his footing when the vessel was hit by an approximately 3m swell while preparing to deploy the anchor for the night. Sustained serious injuries from the fall and shore-based support organised the man’s transfer to hospital.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A crew member returning from a dive found his vessel had capsized. The man activated his EPIRB, and VMR Bowen assisted in towing the vessel back to Bowen.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	The starboard quarter of a passenger vessel made contact with the north edge of a pylon, crushing the metal sponson of the vessel. Passengers disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A crew member was stung by an Irukandji jellyfish while diving. RFDS authorised the administration of morphine and the crew member was medivaced and transferred to hospital.
VIC	Class 3 – Fishing (commercial)	A crew member was unravelling the bin lift rope when he lost his balance during rough seas. He fell against the bin lift control while still holding the rope, the bin lift winch activated and pulled his hand into the winch resulting in serious injury. Following a review of the incident, the operators installed a safety guard around the bin winch control to prevent a reoccurrence.

March 2020

There were 77 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2020. Of these, 1 was very serious and 9 serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
QLD	Non-passenger	Very serious: A crew member hit by a boom while sailing, fell overboard and died. While manoeuvring to save the man, the vessel propeller fouled and became disabled. Water police recovered the man but he couldn’t be revived. During the incident, one crew jumped into the water and suffered hypothermia, another broke their arm.
WA	Fishing (commercial)	Vessel suffered a black out and started taking on water with two crew on board. The crew activated their EPIRB and a search and rescue operation commenced. The crew abandoned the vessel and deployed the life raft. They were subsequently rescued by a nearby fishing vessel. The vessel remained semi-submerged with 2000 L of diesel oil pollution reported.
NSW	Non-passenger	An unpowered barge pushed by another vessel, collided with a powered barge carrying passengers to a worksite. Several passengers sustained injuries and some fell overboard. The powered barge was damaged.
QLD	Passenger	Fire broke out in the vessel engine room. Passengers were mustered by crew and used fire flaps to smother the fire. Passengers and crew disembarked safely when the vessel returned to port. No injuries reported and the cause of the fire is unknown.
QLD	Hire & drive	Vessel took on water during a hire trip. No passengers were injured and they swam to a nearby shore. The submerged vessel was later recovered by forklift. The cause of the water intake is unknown and an investigation underway. No pollution reported.
QLD	Passenger	Vessel started taking on water while anchored. To avoid sinking, the master decided to beach the vessel. En route to shore, the vessel collided with another vessel at anchor causing minor damage to both. No injuries or pollution reported.
QLD	Fishing (commercial)	Tender vessel caught fire due to a suspected electrical fault. Fire extinguished by buckets of water from a nearby dinghy. The tender was extensively damaged, which affected its stability.
SA	Fishing (commercial)	Vessel swamped with water and capsized. Rescue vessel was unsuccessful in attempting to retrieve the capsized vessel. No injuries reported.
NSW	Non-passenger	While completing a towing operation, a tug experienced a mechanical fault. It resulted in unexpected manoeuvring and caused a collision with a towed vessel and broken window on the tug.
VIC	Non-passenger	Crew member positioning the gangway lost his footing and fell approximately 3-4 metres to the main deck. The man was transferred by ambulance to hospital for treatment.

February 2020

There were 62 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2020. Of these, 10 were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
VIC	Non-passenger	Crew member suffered partial amputation of a finger while dropping lines in preparation for departure. Another crew member had prematurely engaged ahead propulsion on the port engine, causing the finger to catch between the line and the vessel bollard. The crew member was taken to hospital by ambulance.
VIC	Fishing (Commercial)	Fishing vessel collided with a berthed private vessel during manoeuvres into port. The collision happened on an outgoing tide and flow of entrance. Both vessels sustained minor damage. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Non-passenger	Vessel’s mooring hawser parted during Tropical Cyclone Damien and grounded with the aft deck underwater. Full damage report will be conducted. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Non-passenger	Vessel secured to cyclone-rated mooring during Tropical Cyclone Damien parted its mooring and drifted before running aground. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Non-passenger	Damage to a tug is suspected to have occurred when another vessel parted lines and collided with the tug during Tropical Cyclone Damien. No injuries or pollution reported.
WA	Non-passenger	Vessel parted mooring and ran aground during Tropical Cyclone Damien. The vessel took in water and sank, with part of the vessel visible above water. A damage assessment was carried out. No injuries or pollution reported.
QLD	Non-passenger	Crew member injured finger while securing a line to the vessel’s towing post.
NSW	Non-passenger	Moored vessel took on water and sank during a low pressure storm system with extreme wind and rainfall conditions. Salvage operation undertaken. No injuries or pollution reported.
QLD	Fishing (Commercial)	A jellyfish caught in a net touched the abdomen of a crew member while they were stowing gear on vessel. Crew member suffered severe pain and was transferred to hospital by VMR and ambulance. They were treated and released the following day.
NSW	Non-passenger	A barge flooded and sank during extreme weather and storm conditions. Salvage took place the following day and the barge and crane are under repair.

January 2020

There were 52 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2020. Of these, 11 were serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
QLD	Passenger	During a crew training session, there was a delay in altering course and the vessel struck two private pontoons. Minor damage sustained to the vessel and one pontoon broke away from pylon. No injuries reported.
NSW	Passenger	Motor failure and power loss caused a house boat to collide with a ferry and lodge under the wing deck. No injuries or pollution reported.
NSW	Hire and drive	Speed and swell caused the driver of a personal watercraft to fall overboard and hit his head on the vessel handlebar. He was treated at the scene for lacerations and concussion then transported to hospital for further treatment.
QLD	Fishing (Commercial)	Fishing vessel ran aground on reef. Five crew members on board abandoned vessel into dories. No injuries or pollution reported.
TAS	Fishing (Commercial)	Vessel grounded on rocks due to broken anchor cable. Vessel was towed off the rocks and sank. No pollution reported.
SA	Fishing (Commercial)	Crew member fell into an open fish holding tank while alighting from dinghy to secure it to fishing vessel. He climbed out of tank and reported he was in pain, then transported to hospital.
NSW	Passenger	Bushfires in the region resulted in fine ash causing blockage of sea strainers on vessel. The engine could only operate at a low RPM to prevent overheating. No passengers aboard and vessel continued its passage.
NSW	Passenger	After passengers boarded vessel, the main engine funnel began smoking excessively. It was caused by an excess build-up of cylinder lubricant oil that hadn’t been drained through the muffler drain plug. Stack was boundary cooled above and below decks, maintaining the exhaust muffler and funnel below 100 degrees Celsius. The drain was later found to be blocked by carbon deposits.
NSW	Passenger	Vessel dragged anchor onto bow of another vessel. Both vessels damaged as a result. No injuries reported.
QLD	Passenger	Passenger vessel passed a marina at high speed within 30-metre safe zone and created excessive wash. The wash reached the pontoon causing a crew member with a trolley of food and drinks to loose balance and fall into the river with the trolley. The trolley dragged him underwater but he was able to pull himself out.
NSW	Non-passenger	Vessel partially submerged and taken under tow. The vessel maintained buoyancy due to air pocket in hull however this reduced during towage and the vessel sank. No pollution reported. Location of wreck was marked and relevant authorities notified.

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Monday 9 May 2022

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2020 monthly domestic commercial vessel incident reports

December 2020

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2020 monthly domestic commercial vessel incident reports

December 2020

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