A PANAMANIAN-flagged liquid petroleum gas tanker that lost its propellor in Bass Strait was forced to anchor for several days until emergency vessels could tow it to Flinders.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has confirmed that the LPG tanker Bougainville lost propulsion on 2 February during pre-arrival main engine testing, and was later found to have lost its propeller.
The vessel was then forced to anchor near Phillip Island in Bass Strait until emergency vessels arrived on 5 February to tow it to Flinders.
An AMSA spokesperson said the authority was “satisfied that the crew was safe, and that the vessel does not currently pose a threat to the marine environment”.
The tanker was expected to be in Flinders until it could be towed to the more sheltered Cowes anchorage, where it was likely to remain until it could be taken elsewhere for repairs.
Initial underwater inspections revealed that the main propeller shaft had sheared off, requiring the removal of the propeller.
The spokesperson said AMSA would continue to work with the master of the vessel and its operator to resolve the situation.
First published in the Western Port News – 14 February 2024
