Car carrier KARIYUSHI LEADER suffered steering failure on Sep 6 in Bass Strait, Victoria, Australia, according to AMSA report. According to ship’s track, she might lose steering as early as evening Sep 3, when the was approaching Melbourne, arriving from Laem Chabang, Thailand. Two tugs attempting to assist uncontrolled car carrier, were damaged in adverse weather conditions, with up to 90km/h wind.
It is not clear so far, what exactly is going on. The ship was circling in the area since Sep 3, announced troubled and NUC since Sep 6, started to move away from coast further to Bass Strait waters early Sep 6. AMSA says the ship is managing to move off coast under own power, and that’s what happening now, judging from track – she’s moving in general SE direction in a rather chaotic manner, with stops, sharp turns, at speed of some 3-4 knots. Understood there’s no immediate danger, with crew trying to fix problem, and waiting for weather to cool down, to allow tugs assistance.
Car carrier KARIYUSHI LEADER, IMO 9403217, GT 51888, built 2008, flag Japan, manager TOHMEI SHIPPING CO LTD, insurer Assuranceforeningen Gard – Norway.
