Incident Update - 07 August 2022

Incident summary:

On Friday 28 January 2022, cement carrier Goliath collided with two berthed TasPorts’ tugs at the Port of Devonport (York Cove and Campbell Cove). The impact of the collision caused significant damage to the tugs, ultimately causing both to sink.

TasPorts quickly deployed oil spill response equipment and activated its crisis response teams. TasPorts has actively monitored the incident site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since the collision, with a focus on ensuring the integrity of the oil spill containment area and the salvage of hydrocarbons from the wrecks. These activities continue to be supported by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).

Updates:

• The heavy lift ship AAL Melbourne has successfully removed the wrecked York Cove tug from the Mersey River.
• The AAL Melbourne travelled from Burnie overnight, anchoring off Devonport before heading to its berth at 4am today to undertake the lift.
• A decision on the commencement of the salvage works for the Campbell Cove wreck is yet to be made, taking account of the complexity of today’s lift and how that translates into the next lift.
• TasPorts has a “positive weather window” until Wednesday to complete the second lift.
• In planning and executing the second lift, just as was the case with the first lift, TasPorts, the salvage company and the operators of the AAL Melbourne will be working to manage the safety of TasPorts staff and all contractors on the wharf.
• Ensuring the protection of the environment and the integrity of the oil spill response boom around the wreck site is maintained will also be a key focus.”
• The 194-metre-long AAL Melbourne was engaged by United Salvage (the Australian-based company appointed to recover the York Cove and Campbell Cove wrecked tugs) to undertake the removal works.
• For all enquiries related to this incident, please contact DevonportWest@tasports.com.au