Container ship drama

A container ship, which ran aground overnight off Bribie Island will be inspected today for damage.

The MSC Alabama ran aground on the sand off Bribie Island, near the surf club, about 2.19am today.

“Container ship MSC Alabama suffered steering failure while departing the port of Brisbane and ran aground outside the North West Channel, Moreton Bay early this morning,” Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell says.

“All other port movements were suspended and four tugs were mobilised to assist the grounded vessel.

An immediate inspection was conducted, which showed no sign of damage or pollution and the vessel re-floated on the rising tide, reversing off the sand bank about 3.45am without tug assistance.

“This was a textbook response by the harbour master, vessel traffic service, the ship’s pilot and master and tugs collaborating promptly for a successful outcome,” Mr Mitchell says.

What happens now?

The 242m ship is now anchored offshore at Mooloolaba, where divers will inspect the hull for damage.

“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will ensure MSC Alabama is seaworthy before permitting it to proceed to its next port in Malaysia,” he says.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has also been advised of the incident, which is being investigated.

At this stage, there is no evidence of fuel or oil leaks and no one was injured during the incident.

No containers were displaced.

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