A lack of effective communication contributed to a collision between the sail training ship Leeuwin II and a container ship in Fremantle Harbour last year that injured two crew members, a new report has found.
The investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) found one of the harbour pilots helping navigate the 333-metre long Maersk Shekou into the port failed to issue a crucial instruction as the giant vessel battled through rough seas and stormy weather, escorted by four tugboats.
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A secondary pilot, who was meant to be monitoring the ship’s arrival, was distracted by taking a non-essential phone call.
The container ship, which was laden with more than 4,000 shipping containers, struck the Leeuwin, which was berthed at the quay, causing the wooden vessel’s masts to collapse.
The two crew members on the Leeuwin sustained minor injuries trying to flee the ship via the gangway as the collision occurred.
The Leeuwin was struck by a container ship. (Supplied: Roel Loopers )
Meanwhile, the Maersk Shekou’s stern struck the roof of the nearby WA Maritime Museum, damaging the facade.
The report found crew on the container ship’s bridge “failed to adequately monitor, or challenge, the ship’s turn and position in the channel”.
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