Maersk container vessel smashes iconic tall ship Leeuwin

The Singapore-registered Maersk Shekou struck Australia’s biggest sail training ship while it was at berth at around 0600 hrs on Friday morning.

Visiting the scene of the accident in Fremantle port around lunchtime, the area immediately around Leeuwin II was cordoned off but extensive damage could be seen to the sailing ship included all three masts broken on deck.

According to local reports, two crew members onboard the Leeuwin II were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

The container ship also struck the roof of the nearby maritime museum and was coming into Fremantle Port at the time of the collision. According to reports, there was a storm at the time.

Maersk Shekou could be seen berthed in Fremantle port with damage to its hull above the water line towards the stern of the vessel.

The sail training ship is owned by Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation and its Chairman Jay Weatherill said the damage to the Leeuwin II was “significant” but it was hoped the hull had largely been spared.

Fremantle Port, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have launched an investigation into the incident.

“The ATSB is deploying a team of four transport safety investigators from its Brisbane, Canberra, and Sydney offices, with expertise in shipboard operations, pilotage, and recorded data systems, to the site,” ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell was quoted as saying by the West Australian.

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