The 182,066-dwt Capesize bulk carrier Cape Falcon has been refloated off Gladstone, Australia, after being aground since 18 September.
The Liberia-flagged vessel came free during the morning high tide on 24 September, ahead of a refloating operation that had been planned for later that day. Earlier attempts involving harbour tugs had failed to release the vessel.
Cape Falcon grounded while manoeuvring at low speed near a bunkering anchorage about six nautical miles off the Port of Gladstone. Maritime Safety Queensland established a one-nautical-mile exclusion zone around the vessel during the response.
The vessel was fully laden at the time of the grounding. Although it was outside the port shipping channel, Maritime Safety Queensland said the incident would still have some impact on the shipping schedule.
Built in 2022, Cape Falcon is approximately 292 m long and is managed by Japan’s Shoei Kisen Kaisha. The vessel is registered in Liberia.
After being refloated, Cape Falcon was directed to anchor pending further investigation. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority placed the vessel under detention, preventing its return to service until applicable safety and regulatory requirements are satisfied.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau said it would launch a short investigation into the grounding. No crew injuries or pollution were reported.
Investigators are expected to examine vessel tracking information, weather conditions, crew and operator records, and maintenance information. The vessel’s voyage data recorder has also been ordered preserved for the investigation.
