The Capesize bulk carrier Cape Falcon remains aground off the Port of Gladstone in Queensland, Australia, after two attempts to move the vessel were unsuccessful.
The Liberian-flagged vessel grounded on 18 September 2026 while attempting to anchor at the bunkering anchorage, about six nautical miles east of the Port of Gladstone. The incident occurred at about 15:42.
Two attempts have since been made to move Cape Falcon. The second operation took place at high tide on 19 September and involved 10 harbour tugs. The vessel moved only minimally during the operation, and further salvage advice is being sought before another attempt is made.
Maritime Safety Queensland is leading the response. Cape Falcon is outside the Gladstone Ports Corporation pilotage area and is not blocking the channel into the port.
Some vessel movements have nevertheless been affected because pilotage and harbour tug resources have been redirected to the emergency response.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority is holding Cape Falcon while the vessel’s seaworthiness is assessed.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened an investigation into the grounding. No crew injuries, vessel damage, hull breaches or pollution had been reported when the ATSB issued its statement.
As part of the investigation, data from Cape Falcon‘s voyage data recorder will be preserved. Investigators will also collect vessel tracking and weather data, along with crew, operator and maintenance records.
The ATSB is monitoring the recovery but is not involved in the operation to move the vessel. Its investigators will conduct interviews and collect evidence and data from the ship when appropriate. A preliminary report is expected in about two months.
Built in 2022, Cape Falcon is 292 m long and 45 m wide, with a reported capacity of 182,066 tonnes.
