Stranded cargo ship off Albany threatens to run aground
A cargo ship off Albany with serious engine problems will enter the port for repairs amid fears it could run aground.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has ordered the Port of Albany Authority to allow the ICS Silver Spirit, which has been at anchor for four days for engine repairs, to enter port for repairs.
The ship will dock at the port of Albany in southern Western Australia.Credit:Google Earth
AMSA Emergency Commander Mark Morrow said the order was made to protect the local marine environment.
“AMSA has a responsibility to take action to protect the marine environment and the safety of seafarers,” he said.
“We have significant concerns about the condition of the ICS Silver Spirit and nobody wants this ship to run aground.
“As such, AMSA has taken decisive action to instruct the Port Authority to accept this vessel.”
The Bahamas registered ICS Silver Spirit is a 136m general cargo vessel built in 2006.
The ship left the Netherlands on December 27 and was about 20 kilometers from the port mouth and just four kilometers from the nearest coast as of 9am on Friday, according to ship-tracking site MarineTraffic.
Morrow said the agency monitored the ship for several days.
The Southern Ports Authority, which operates the port, has been asked for comment.
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https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/stricken-cargo-vessel-off-albany-in-danger-of-running-aground-20230210-p5cjjk.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_environment Stranded cargo ship off Albany threatens to run aground
