World · East Asia & Pacific · 3 hrs ago
Spirit IV arrives late as investigators examine steering incident on Spirit V
Spirit IV arrived in Geelong about four hours late after leaving Devonport on its first passenger voyage.
The new ferry made several unusual turns outside and inside Port Phillip Bay, and a tugboat escorted it to the terminal.
The reason for Spirit IV’s delay and movements has not been disclosed.
Separately, the safety bureau is investigating a steering incident on Spirit V, the other new ferry operated by TT-Line.
During a trial voyage on October 26, Spirit V’s autopilot responded slowly to a turn, then struggled to keep the ship on course; the crew switched to manual steering and stopped the vessel before continuing.
The ship briefly left the charted channel limits, but the account gives no injuries or damage.
The bureau expects to publish its final findings in the second quarter of next year, while Tasmania’s ferry replacement program has also faced cost overruns and construction delays.
Spirit IV arrived in Geelong about four hours late after making several unusual turns and being escorted by a tugboat.
The delay came as investigators examined a steering incident involving its sister ship, Spirit V, during a trial voyage on October 26.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said Spirit V’s autopilot responded slowly to a turn, then could not stop the turn after its settings were adjusted.
The incident briefly took Spirit V outside the charted shipping channel before the ship was stopped and control was regained.
An ATSB final report is expected in the second quarter of next year.
- Who
- Spirit IV arrived in Geelong; the ATSB is investigating an incident involving Spirit V.
- What
- Spirit IV arrived about four hours late after making unusual turns and being escorted by a tugboat. The ATSB is examining a steering incident on Spirit V.
- When
- Spirit IV arrived on Thursday morning. The Spirit V incident occurred on October 26.
- Where
- Spirit IV arrived at Geelong after travelling from Devonport. The Spirit V incident occurred in Port Phillip Bay near Point Henry.
- Why
- The reason for Spirit IV’s delay was not disclosed. The ATSB said Spirit V’s autopilot responded slowly to a required turn.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Spirit V experienced a steering incident during a trial voyage in Port Phillip Bay.
Spirit IV embarked on its first passenger voyage.
Spirit IV arrived in Geelong about four hours late after making unusual turns and being escorted by a tugboat.
The ATSB expects to publish its final report on the Spirit V incident.
- Spirit IV arrival
- Geelong, about four hours late
- Spirit V incident
- October 26, during a trial voyage
- People aboard Spirit V
- 94 crew and 20 passengers
- Incident location
- Near Point Henry, in Port Phillip Bay
- Expected final report
- Second quarter of next year
What people are saying
The person came on the PA and announced the arrival would be delayed till about 8 o'clock [this morning]
The required starboard turn was initiated, but the autopilot responded slowly, causing a wider-than-expected turn.