2021 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 2021

There were 85 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in December 2021. Of these, 25 were serious and 1 very serious.        

STATE	VESSEL TYPE	INCIDENT
WA	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Very Serious:  Vessel collided with reef and sustained significant hull damage. The vessel was evacuated and later sank.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard while vessel was underway. The passenger was recovered without injury.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel lost main engine following fuel issues. No damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard while vessel was underway. The passenger was recovered and required medical attention.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with a sailing catamaran while underway. Significant damage sustained.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Acetylene bottle caught fire onboard. The vessel was evacuated. No injuries or pollution reported.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with an open bridge. Damage sustained to vessel’s mast and rigging.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with rowing boat while underway. The person onboard the rowing boat fell overboard and required medivac.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Passenger fell overboard while fishing. The passenger was recovered without injury.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger fell overboard while disembarking vessel. The passenger was recovered with minor injuries.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel’s dory capsized during snorkelling operation. Four passengers fell overboard and were recovered without injury.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with wharf following steering failure. No damage or pollution reported.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel’s hatch cover fell from an open position during fishing operation. A crew member sustained head laceration and arm fracture.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel collided with another vessel. No damage or pollution reported.
QLD	Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive	Vessel made contact with reef. Minor damage sustained.
TAS	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel grounded during strong weather conditions. Damage sustained to vessel’s propellers.
NT	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member sustained hand injury while setting up compressed air hose. Medivac required.
NT	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel’s bow door separated from vessel. Investigation underway.
NT	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel's fixed fire fighting system suffered an electrical fault and caught fire. The fire was extinguished by crew.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with a docked vessel during strong weather conditions. Minor damage sustained.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with a passenger vessel while underway. No damage or injuries reported.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's port outboard engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished by crew. Repairs completed.
ACT	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard while the vessel was berthing. No injuries reported.
ACT	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger tripped on door sill. The passenger sustained a dislocated shoulder and required medivac.
SA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel made contact with submerged object. Damage sustained to propellers.
SA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel capsized after failure to remove the buoy line. Two persons fell overboard and were wearing life jackets. One person sustained leg bruising.

November 2021

There were 92 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in November 2021. Of these, 27 were serious.

STATE	VESSEL TYPE	INCIDENT
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel disabled following a serious electrical fault. Repairs are underway.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard while vessel was underway. The passenger was recovered without injury.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger fell overboard while boarding the vessel. The passenger sustained head injury and required hospitalisation.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Child fell overboard without a lifejacket. Two additional passengers jumped overboard to retrieve the child. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel capsized during mooring operation. Two crew members fell overboard without lifejackets. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member tripped near the cockpit. The crew member sustained lacerations to shins & a fractured wrist.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel after the mooring lines snapped. Minor damage sustained to the vessel's fendering.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member’s hand was caught during mooring operation. The crew member sustained a crush injury and required medivac.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member fell overboard. The crew member was wearing a life jacket and recovered without injury.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member’s hand was caught during mooring operation. The crew member sustained a severed finger and required medivac.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel grounded during strong weather conditions. No damage sustained.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel grounded following mooring failure. No damage sustained.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member received electric shock during weekly maintenance activities. Crew member attended hospital for review.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member slipped on ramp during unloading operation. Crew member sustained head laceration. No medivac required.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's port main engine caught fire. The fire was extinguished by crew. Investigation underway.
NT	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with steel can buoy. Vessel sustained small tear in hull and flooding. Repairs underway.
NT	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's battery exploded & fire ignited in the battery well. Fire was extinguished by crew. Investigation underway.
NT	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Crew member received electric shock while repairing flood lights. Crew member was transferred to hospital for review.
VIC	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket. The passenger was shortly recovered without injury.
VIC	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger fell over and broke their ankle after the vessel encountered short sharp waves. No medivac required.
VIC	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded during poor visibility. Vessel refloated without assistance.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard without a lifejacket. The passenger was shortly recovered without injury.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's door ripped off in poor weather conditions. Repairs underway.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's tender capsized and submerged during strong weather conditions. Repairs underway.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with submerged object. Oily sheen in water observed. Investigation ongoing.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded. Investigation underway.
WA	Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive	Jet ski collided with another jet ski. The operator fell overboard. Significant damage sustained to jet ski.

October 2021

There were 71 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in October 2021. Of these, 14 were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's engine room flooded while underway. Ingress located above water line. Investigation ongoing.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel's net reel detached from fastenings. Net reel and fishing gear lost overboard. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's starboard engine gear failed while operating astern. Vessel collided with pontoon’s fendering. No damage or injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel’s oven caught fire. A crew member sustained burns to their hands while extinguishing the flames.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel caught fire while moored. Suspected electrical fault. Investigation ongoing.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's refrigeration system ignited following an electrical fault. Fire extinguished by crew. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Passenger crushed finger in swim ladder. Passenger requires ongoing treatment for injuries.
NT	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member bitten by a small crocodile during tour. The crew member required hospitalisation.
TAS	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's cooling pump drive failed resulting in damage to the engine. Vessel was disabled and required tug assistance.
VIC	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with navigational marker while underway. Two crew members sustained injuries and required medivac.
VIC	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with kayak during poor visibility. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's towline parted while towing a barge. Significant damage sustained to the vessel’s hull.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with a disabled yacht. Minor damage sustained. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel grounded after being hit by large wave. Two crew members sustained minor injuries.

September 2021

There were 73 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in September 2021. Of these, 20 were serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with submerged rock while underway. Damage sustained to engines.
NSW	Class 4 - Hire 'N' Drive	Vessel collided with houseboat and tender due to strong weather conditions. Investigation ongoing.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's bollard and mooring lines failed. A crew member sustained a leg fracture and required medivac.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel made contact with seabed while berthing. The damage sustained has since been repaired.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger lost footing while stepping onto the vessel. The passenger sustained an arm fracture.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's tender capsized during strong weather conditions. One crew member fell overboard and was wearing a lifejacket. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded while underway. Minor damage sustained to hull.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel at anchor. Minor damage sustained.
TAS	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel’s sea water pump failed resulting in overheating in the engine room. Steam and smoke observed.
TAS	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member fell overboard while mooring. The crew member was wearing a life jacket and recovered without injury.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel’s steering control panel caught fire. Vessel lost steerage and was escorted to shore for repair.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel grounded following propulsion failure. Significant damage sustained to hull.
VIC	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel capsized during strong weather conditions. Significant damage sustained. Three crew members fell overboard and were wearing lifejackets. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel’s engine room filled with smoke. Later determined to be related to an electrical fault. Repairs underway.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with channel marker during poor visibility. Minor damage sustained to both vessel and marker.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded after mooring failure. No damage or pollution reported.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member slipped during pilotage operation. Crew member sustained an ankle fracture.
NT	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel flooded with bungs found not to be in place. Damage sustained to engines and electrical.
NT	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Barge collided with vessel at anchor. Significant damage sustained. No injuries or pollution reported.
NT	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Recreational vessel collided with domestic commercial vessel at speed. Significant hull damage sustained.

August 2021

There were 76 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in August 2021. Of these, 22 were serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel beached due main engine failure. Assistance was required to recover the vessel. Nil injuries or pollution reported.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member touched high voltage terminal, sent for precautionary medical assessment. Crew member later cleared of injury.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel flooded due to water ingress. Significant damage reported. Vessel currently undergoing repairs.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Personal watercraft deliberately collided with vessel while underway. Crew member sustained minor injury.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel capsized while under tow. Nil persons onboard at the time of capsize. Nil pollution reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's engine room flooded due to seal collar failure. Vessel is undergoing repair.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger sustained a back injury from waves. Medivac and hospitalisation required.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's main switchboard ignited due to electrical fault. Fire extinguished by crew. Nil injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member fractured wrist while operating the vessel's manual coupling winches. Medivac and hospitalisation required.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member fell overboard while boarding the vessel. Crew member was recovered, nil injuries. Crew member was wearing a lifejacket.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel collided with recreational vessel due to poor visibility. Two persons from the recreational vessel fell overboard and the vessel immediately sunk. Coast guard recovered the persons overboard & towed the disabled commercial vessel back to shore.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Vessel's net cleaner engine failed and ignited. Fire immediately extinguished by crew. No injuries or pollution reported.
VIC	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel's engine room flooded due to communication failure between crew. Significant damage sustained.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger sustained a back injury after travelling through turbulent waters. Medivac and hospitalisation required.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with fuel barge while underway. Damage sustained to the vessel's hull. Nil injuries or pollution reported
WA	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Crew member fractured hand while unloading. Hospitalisation required.
WA	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Crew member sustained a fractured foot due to a pot line becoming caught around leg. Medivac required.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing (commercial)	Crew member sustained eye injury due to the mainline snapping. Medivac required.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with mooring buoy due to poor visibility. Passenger sustained bruising on face from impact. No medical attention required.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with bridge while underway in flood conditions. Damage sustained.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's steering cables melted due to heat from cracked turbo.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel suffered blackout due to generator fault while underway. Repairs in progress.

July 2021

There were 55 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in July 2021. Of these, 15 were serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member fell overboard after vessel struck pole while berthing. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing	Vessel grounded due to navigation error. Radar was inoperable. Crew member injured.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-passenger	Vessel grounded due to main engine breakdown. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel made contact with ferry due to an engine control failure. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member sustained minor burns due to butane cylinder exploding while cooking.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member fell overboard after losing control of tender. Injuries sustained to neck and throat. Medivac required.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Master of vessel sustained multiple injuries after jumping on the back of a lemon shark. Medivac required.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel made contact with submerged rock while entering refuelling jetty. Damage sustained to skeg and propellers. Nil injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Passenger fell overboard while fishing due to not having a locking strap on the deck. Passenger recovered, nil injuries. Passenger was not wearing a lifejacket.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing	Crew members suffered electric shock while engaged in fishing operations. Medivac required.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Disabled vessel collided with wharf after caught in tug wash. Damage to vessel reported. Nil injuries or pollution reported.
QLD	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel severely damaged and cabin filled with water after being hit by a rogue wave. Nil injuries reported.
SA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with wharf due to gearbox failure. Minimal damage to vessel and wharf reported. Nil injuries reported.
SA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessels capsized after hull filled with water due to lake drainage and low tide. Minor damage reported. Nil persons onboard.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel suffered steering loss due to generator failure. Nil damage or injuries reported.

June 2021

There were 57 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in June 2021. Of these, 19 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
NSW	Class 4 - Hire and Drive	VERY SERIOUS - Explosion onboard vessel. Passenger taken to hospital with severe burns. Damage reported.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel lost propulsion in starboard engine. Vessel held position with remaining engine. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Propeller made contact and became entangled with mooring line. Passengers were transferred to another vessel. Nil damage or injuries reported.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing	Vessel collided with a moored vessel while berthing. Damage sustained to the vessel's hull. Nil injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel flooded after hull breach due to wear and tear. The vessel has since been repaired. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Crew member fell overboard when attempting to transition from the berthed vessel to the wharf. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel almost made contact with a rowing vessel in the dark. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel grounded in low tide, making contact with coral rock. Nil injuries and damage reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel made contact with edge of reef. The vessel sustained damage to the crash bar that surrounds the hull. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 - Hire and Drive	Vessel collided with recreational vessel following loss of control. Minor damage reported. Nil injuries.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Main engine exhaust leak resulted in crew members suffering from headaches and sore eyes. Nil damage reported.
SA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with tugboat in strong winds. Damage sustained to vessel. Nil injuries reported.
NT	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel's engine room filled with smoke after shaft gland overheated. Nil damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded on rocks in shallow water causing damage to both engines. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing	Vessel made contact with rocks. Two crew members injured. Damage reported to the hull of the vessel and it's engines.
VIC	Class 4 - Hire and Drive	Houseboat collided with another houseboat. Damage to rear ski deck of one houseboat. Nil injuries reported.
TAS	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Crew member sustained an injury during a boarding training exercise. Training was immediately ceased, and the crew member received first aid and medical treatment on shore.
QLD	Class 3 - Fishing	Smoke detected from the vessel's engine room. The crew evacuated and boarded the tender. On assessment, the exhaust had split open filling the engine room with fumes. Nil injuries or damage reported.
WA	Class 2 - Non-Passenger	Vessel submerged on its mooring. Currently undergoing salvage operations. An investigation to follow. Nil injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel grounded after GPS malfunction. Nil injuries or damage reported.

May 2021

There were 60 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in May 2021. Of these, 22 were serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel during berthing causing damage.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Deck and hatches flooded during load testing. The pumps were inadequate to remove the water from the bilges.
SA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Battery exploded due to generator malfunction, during monthly maintenance tasks. Minor injuries of engineer reported engineer.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Vessel grounded on reef in choppy water conditions and strong currents.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Steering failed and being hit by a wave resulted in vessel grounding on beach. Master reported injured. Vessel was later towed.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel reported missing at sea after mooring rope broke.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Four tonne D shackle thrown onto tug narrowly missing crew member. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Starboard engine failed resulting in fire and smoke. Fire extinguished and vessel returned on port engine. Nil injuries reported.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Large wave impacted vessel. Crew sustained injuries. Ambulance attended from port.
WA	Class 3 – Fishing	Lift rope parted resulting in a net falling on crew member. Crew member sustained spinal injuries and was taken to hospital. .
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Fixed fire-fighting extinguisher was accidentally activated resulting in contents filling the engine compartment. Crew member escaped through an open hatch. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel due to sunlight glare causing poor vision. Nil injuries reported.
TAS	Class 3 - Fishing	Tiller swung hard to port causing crew member to fall overboard. Kill switch was not on wrist resulting in the tender spinning out of control. Crew member inflated their lifejacket and swam clear. They were rescued by a nearby vessel. Nil injuries reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded due to low tides and swell. Nil injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel collided with another vessel due to no visible navigation lights. Nil injuries reported.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Vessel collided with another vessel after losing propulsion. Nil injuries or damage reported.
NSW	Class 3 – Fishing	Gearbox failed due to object being caught in propeller. Vessel towed to shore and undergoing repairs.
NT	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel made contact with reef during poor weather conditions. Nil injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel was partially submerged while under tow due to wash of two passing vessels. Nil injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel due to anchor dragging. Damage to one vessel's solar panels.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Port propeller blade made contact with submerged rock while berthing. Propeller sustained damage and was replaced.

April 2021

There were 82 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in April 2021. Of these, 33 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	VERY SERIOUS: Trawl gear fauled resulting in vessel capsizing with one person on-board. The person was rescued by a passing vessel. The vessel sank but has since been salvaged.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Multiple passengers leaning against handrail caused gate lock to release. One passenger fell over-board without a lifejacket. Passenger was retrieved.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel sank overnight due to suspected hull breach.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel grounded during low tide and while manoeuvring to avoid another vessel. Bow made contact with port marker. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel collided with another vessel’s tender while berthed. Minor damage. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 4 - Hire and Drive	Collision between two hire and drive jet skis. Minor injuries and damage reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member fell backwards into open hatch. Safety bulletin circulated to fleet to manage the risk of a similar incident reoccurring. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing	Barge capsized whilst moored overnight. Efforts are being made to determine contributory factors.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel flooded and subsequently capsized with person onboard. Flare and EPIRB activated. Person rescued with nil injuries reported.
SA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member slipped on stairs causing hand fracture. Crew member was taken to hospital for treatment.
SA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel made contact with mooring post when attempting berth. Damage to vessel.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel flooded as a result of a hull breach caused by corrosion. Bilge pump was used. Repairs to be inspected by accredited marine surveyor.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel made contact with fendering of traffic bridge during towing operation.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Main engine failed and shut down. Smoke observed, but no sign of fire. Vessel was towed to safety.
WA	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel grounded during poor visibility and plotter malfunction. Investigation into contributory factors is underway.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Hire and drive vessel flooded and capsized following a large wave. All passengers went overboard and were rescued by Water Police.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger fell overboard without a lifejacket when disembarking the vessel. Passenger was provided with life ring and recovered with rescue dingy.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Gas leak on vessel. Crew showed signs of gas exposure. Ambulance performed medical checks on-site.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Main engine failure resulting in loss of propulsion. Inspection identified electrical issue with emergency stop button.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with mooring post. Damage to hull of vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Crew member pinned between vessel and jetty during berthing operation. First aid administered on-site. Crew member taken to hospital for further treatment. Investigation is on-going.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Forty litre oil spill reported. Spill occurred during fuel transfer while alongside the wharf. Efforts are being made to contain the spill.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew member fell asleep during navigational watch. The vessel grounded resulting in damage. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Crew lost control of vessel while adjusting mooring lines in area of strong tidal flow. Vessel drifted and collided with another vessel resulting in the sinking of two dories. The vessel flooded and subsequently sunk. No injuries reported.
SA	Class 1 – Passenger	Small fire in vessel oven. The fire was extinguished quickly with no damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded during berthing attempt. Damage to shroud and propeller.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded at speed resulting in damage to outboard engines. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded on reef during low tide. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel at anchor. The vessel sustained damage and was assisted back to shore by VTS. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel steering failed during operation. Upon inspection, it was found that the manual steering was defective. No damage or injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Crew member received an electric shock from damaged electric cord with exposed wires. Crew member recovered and was medically cleared.
QLD	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Vessel grounded in shallow water. No damage or injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Hire and drive vessel grounded on rocks. Damage sustained to the hull. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel grounded on rocks following loss of astern propulsion. Passengers were disembarked with no injuries.

March 2021

There were 86 reported marine incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in March 2021. Of these, 27 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel Type	Incident
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	VERY SERIOUS: Vessel capsized due to wave impact in zone assessed for safe navigation. The crew escaped and made their way to shore. Their EPIRB was promptly activated. Investigation is on-going.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel collided with another vessel. No injuries or damage reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel due to morse cable detaching from gear box. Two passengers lost their balance and sustained minor injuries.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Small engine fire discovered and extinguished quickly. No injuries or damage reported. Suspected cause was electrical fault.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member slipped into an open hatch whilst performing maintenance activities and broke a foot. Operator is conducting a hazard awareness review for crew.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel flooded. AMSA Joint Rescue Coordination Centre was notified and a rescue helicopter was dispatched. The crew were able to stop the leak and return to shore. No injuries reported.
TI	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Damage to vessel’s underwater stabilizers due to possible contact with an unknown object or manufacturing fault. No injuries reported. Vessel has ceased operation until rectified.
VIC	Class 1 - Passenger	A diver made contact with a vessel's propeller and injured their foot. Emergency services were called and attended. SMS review and compliance action taken.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel flooded and capsized due to bowline giving way during a towing operation. No injuries reported. Vessel advised not to operate until cleared.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel contacted a communications cable and capsized with six people. Everyone was wearing a lifejacket and were rescued.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel contacted a loose tug and damaged the wheelhouse window. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel attempted to enter its berth and collided with a recreational vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel main engine failed and there was smoke. Fire alarm activated. Engine was repaired and vessel returned to service.
WA	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel grounded on sand bank in Greenough River. Head injury to passenger. Breach report issued for failure to report.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel made contact with a log which resulted in hull damage, flooding and grounding. No injuries reported. Prohibition notice issued.
TAS	Class 1 - Passenger	Close quarters with a seaplane. Vessel performed an emergency stop to avoid collision.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel collided with another vessel. Minor damage. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Crew member's hair was caught in alternator causing bruising on scalp, muscle pain and shock. First aid administered on-board. SMS reviewed and amended.
WA	Class 1 - Passenger	Damaged thread in cast fuel rail resulted in engine fire. Fire extinguished quickly. No injuries or further damage reported.
VIC	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Vessel collided with another vessel. Damage to both vessels. No injuries reported.
SA	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	Vessel made contact with towline of another vessel. The crew were found asleep and their radios were switched off. Damage reported. Investigation is ongoing.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel lost propulsion when engine failed. No radio coverage, therefore EPIRB was activated. Vessel was towed to safety.
NSW	Class 1 - Passenger	Passenger jumped overboard. Water police and VTS assisted with the search. Passenger was found onshore. No injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel capsized and semi-submerged due to extreme weather conditions. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel flooded and capsized due to cargo affecting stability. Crew went overboard without lifejackets and were rescued by nearby vessel.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire and Drive	A crew suffered burns to their arms due to engine fire. First aid was administered, and emergency services were called.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with submerged object. Propeller detached from gearbox. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel flooded and capsized due to swell. Bilge pump was clogged and failed. No injuries reported and no environmental impacts.

February 2021

There were 80 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in February 2021. Of these, 21 were serious and 1 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Very serious: Rescue vessel made contact with person overboard.
QLD	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel grounded after being left on autopilot while crew slept. No injuries. Damage unknown.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member slipped and fell overboard. Lifejacket inflated and crew made it back onboard unassisted. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Crew member suffered an injured finger after getting caught between rope and bollard. Transferred to hospital for treatment.
QLD	Class 1 - Passenger	Vessel drove over soft sand, causing severe bumpy movement. Injury reported to one passenger. No damage reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘n’ drive	Hirer fell overboard from houseboat while attempting to moor in a “no go” zone. Recused by another vessel close by. Transferred to hospital via ambulance from shore.
SA	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel grounded on rocks after dragging anchor. Significant damage to hull reported.
VIC	Class 2 – Non-Passenger	Vessel engine caught fire following a mechanical failure. Emergency fire services called to assist. Significant damage to engine and surrounding mechanical equipment. Vessel inoperable. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger received severe finger injury after being crushed between line and bollard. Rescue boat transferred passenger to shore for hospital treatment.
TAS	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel made contact with submerged rock causing hull damage and minor flooding. No injuries reported.
TAS	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger vessel grounded following loss of engine power. Passengers evacuated. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel drifted and grounded ashore following anchor shackle failure. Minor damage reported. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘N’ Drive	Vessel grounded on beach. Marine Rescue evacuated all onboard. No injuries or damage reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Luxury yacht collided with a recreational vessel while under no power. Damage to vessels unknown.
SA	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel ran aground resulting in hull damage. No flooding or pollution reported. No injuries reported. Investigation ongoing.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Leak in starboard engine crankcase resulted in smoke. No fire reported. Fixed Fire Fighting System activated, and emergency services requested. No injuries reported.
NT	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew received an electric shock from fan extension lead draped over fire extinguisher bracket. Transferred to hospital by another crew member.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel made contact with a lateral marker causing minor damage to both. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member’s finger was pinched while trying to retrieve anchor. Crew was wearing protective gloves at the time. Transferred to hospital, surgery required.
NT	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel flooded following a failed hose clamp on deck wash intake. Vessel was also overloaded with passengers and additional fuel. Passengers evacuated to nearby shore. Cargo rescued from vessel. Two jerry cans lost. Helicopter called to retrieve crew and passengers. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member overboard following large swell. Crew member was wearing a safety harness and was recovered quickly. Injuries sustained to ribs, back and lip. Transferred to hospital for treatment. Another crew member sustained minor injuries.
SA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel grounded on rocks while manoeuvring at night. Extent of damage unknown. No injuries reported.

January 2021

There were 85 reported incidents involving domestic commercial vessels in January 2021. Of these, 21 were serious and 2 very serious.

State	Vessel type	Incident
NSW	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Very Serious – Crew member fatally injured after being stuck by a vessels mast while it was being lifted onto the barge by crane.
WA	Class 1 – Passenger	Very Serious – Vessel collided with an anchored recreational vessel with two persons onboard. One person from recreational vessel reported deceased. The other person sustained minor injuries.
VIC	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel sunk on mooring overnight. Oil residue on surface. No persons onboard.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger fell overboard after latches were released on the front gate. Vessel was travelling at low speed and retrieved the passenger within minutes. Minor injuries reported.
VIC	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Rescue vessel grounded on sandbank while assisting a recreational vessel with engine troubles. Vessel re-floated with a heavy wave but the engine would not start. Vessel towed back to shore. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 4 – Hire ‘n’ drive	Runabout vessel with three persons onboard took on water while being towed by hire boat. Minor injuries reported. Flooded vessel towed back to shore.
NSW	Class 3 - Fishing	Main engine unable to start due to gear box failure approximately 80 miles out to sea. Vessel towed to shore. No other damage reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger vessel (which was drifting at the time) collided with recreational vessel while anchored. Damage sustained to both vessels. No injuries reported.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel suffered port engine shutdown and became disabled due to propeller fouling by a trawling net. Vessel towed by company vessel in the vicinity, with tug assistance requested to enter Port. One assisting tug also became entangled in the trawl net causing engine shut down. Tug was unable to render assistance and returned to port on one engine.
WA	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Small fire onboard while vessel was undergoing a deck refit. This was caused by a welding spark making contact with a hanging sheet. Fire extinguished on the spot by crew. No damage to vessel. No injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger took control of vessel during passenger loading. Vessel made contact with dock causing damage. The passenger was removed from the vessel and Police were called. No damage to vessel or injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel ran aground. Ballast water was pumped out to reduce draught on the flood tide and the vessel re-floated. No damage, pollution or injuries reported.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel suffered engine failure after a loud bang and violent shaking. Damage to engine coupling and protective cage reported. Vessel arranged passengers to be transferred to shore. No injuries reported.
VIC	Class 2 – Non passenger	Vessel sank at berth following a shaft seal failure. No persons onboard.
QLD	Class 1 – Passenger	Passenger suffered a foot injury from walkway slide joint. First aid administered on board and passenger transferred to hospital by ambulance from shore.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Crew member suffered finger injury after getting hand trapped between container and lifting gear. Transferred to hospital for treatment.
VIC	Class 1 - Passenger	Jetski collided with fishing charter vessel at high speed breaching the hull above the water line. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Recreational vessel collided with vessel after anchor chains became hooked when bringing up anchor. Damage to hull on domestic commercial vessel. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	River boat got caught in ferry’s downstream side chains and made contact. No obvious damage to ferry, damage to river boat unknown. No injuries reported.
NSW	Class 1 – Passenger	Vessel took on water while moored due to multiple bilge pump failures. Vessel towed to marina for emergency slipping. No persons onboard.
TAS	Class 3 – Fishing	Vessel hull breached on portside from protruding jetty obstructions causing the vessel to flood and half submerge. Breach fixed and the water was removed, vessel stabilised. No persons onboard.
QLD	Class 2 – Non-passenger	Vessel made contact with berth pontoon after master tripped and accidently pulled the starboard engine lever. Damage to hull plates reported. No injuries reported.

Last updated:

Monday 9 May 2022

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