The bulk carrier Basic Victory, flagged under the Marshall Islands, experienced a severe engine failure, leading to a dangerous drift toward the coast north of Newcastle, New South Wales. The incident occurred while the vessel was waiting for a berth at the Port of Newcastle, approximately 20 miles offshore.

Due to the sudden failure of the main engine, the ship began drifting uncontrollably toward land. At one point, it came within three miles of the nearest shore. The ship’s master informed Newcastle vessel traffic service of the engine failure and requested permission to anchor. Shortly afterward, the crew managed to restart the engine, allowing the vessel to move clear of the coastline.

Basic Victory berthed in Newcastle on August 7. Investigators from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) boarded the ship to collect evidence, interview the master and crew, and review records and documents related to the incident and emergency response.

Following repairs, the vessel departed Newcastle on August 9 and is en route to Japan, where it is expected to arrive next week.

The ATSB is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the engine failure and assess the actions taken by the crew and shore services. If critical safety issues are identified during the investigation, the bureau will promptly notify the ship’s operator, the port, and other relevant authorities to ensure urgent safety measures are implemented.

Source: Marine Insight