The Spirit of Tasmania IV suffered a steering fault less than a week after its maiden voyage, delaying passengers by almost four and a half hours before it finally reached Geelong.
The problem emerged early on Thursday as the ferry prepared to pass through Port Phillip Heads. Shipping data showed the vessel making several turns between 3am and 4am before entering the bay.
Passengers were told at about 5.30am that the ship would not reach the harbour until approximately 10.30am. It eventually docked in Geelong at 10.25am, after slowing dramatically and becoming almost stationary at three points during the journey.
Passenger Sandra Liane said those on board had received little information about the delay. “There was a message come over the intercom that, look, we can’t get into the harbour until about 10.30am. So at this stage it was about 5.30am,” she said.
TT-Line, which operates the service, said the ship’s master had identified the fault while preparing to transit the heads. After the issue was addressed and the vessel had safely passed through, tug assistance was considered appropriate.
TT-Line chief executive Chris Carbone said the tug had to travel from Geelong, contributing to the delay. “Safety is our number one priority,” he said, adding that the company was investigating the incident and had engaged technicians to diagnose the problem.
“We apologise for the inconvenience to our passengers,” Mr Carbone said.
Investigation expanded to Spirit of Tasmania IV
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has expanded an existing investigation into steering problems involving the Spirit of Tasmania V to include Thursday’s incident.
Investigators will download and examine voyage data recorder information from both vessels, inspect equipment, interview crew and other relevant personnel, and review supporting records and documentation.
The Spirit of Tasmania V is being investigated after it veered outside charter shipping limits last month and had to be brought to a complete stop while staff regained control.
Tasmania’s minister Felix Ellis defended the vessels as “hugely complex bespoke builds”, saying it was important to work through their initial sailings.
But passengers questioned why problems had emerged so soon after the ships entered service. “There’s big guys in the boardrooms that need to sit down and have a little think. A big think, actually. And maybe be held accountable for what’s going on,” Ms Liane said.
