“It is absolutely [devastating]. The Leeuwin is a foundation piece within the port, and seeing the damage occur … is stressful for all of us and particularly we are concerned for the crew on board the Leeuwin who were injured.”
She assured the public that this was a rare event for a port with ”very strict operating parameters that we’re constantly revising to make sure that the port operates effectively and safely.”
Operations are expected to resume Friday afternoon for the port and the Maritime Museum, which is being assessed by structural engineers but appears to have sustained only superficial damage.
The damage to the hull of the Maersk vessel might impact her ability to sail once she’d completed her cargo operations, Ransom said.
Speaking to Radio 6PR, a witness named Sam said he was on his way to work at Rottnest Island on Friday morning when he noticed a crowd near the dock.
He said the container ship had half a dozen tugboats “buzzing round” attempting in vain to move it.
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As he got closer to the water he saw The Leeuwin, with its mast and sails ruined and debris floating around.
“The Leeuwin has been absolutely smashed to pieces. None of its mast is standing, and it’s listing over and hanging over onto the port,” he said.
“That container ship has come into the port and smashed into The Leeuwin. They’ve dropped the anchor to try and halt it, and now they can’t get the anchor back up, it must be lodged on the bottom.”
Fremantle Ports government and public relations manager Neil Stanbury said was coming into the port to berth when it hit The Leeuwin.
“It’s a terrible incident. Unfortunately, the two fellows who were on night shift on The Leeuwin … one may have minor injuries, perhaps a broken arm, but they’re both OK, and we’re very glad.”
The Leeuwin 1850s-style square-rigged tall ship has for decades offered hands-on sailing experiences at sea for all age groups. It is operated by a non-profit group.
Since 1986 it has welcomed more than 40,000 young people on board for its youth development program.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation chairman Jay Weatherill said it was clear the damage was significant and would force temporary cessation of their programs.
“The Leeuwin has sailed rougher seas over these years, and we hope it will return to the service of the youth of WA as soon as possible,” he said.
He wished the injured crew members a speedy recovery.
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