Statesman
On September 2, the 53 meter long cattle carrier/landing craft Statesman ran aground near Stanley, Tasmania. The Statesman was en route to King Island from Tasmania with a cargo of cattle when it suffered a technical fault. An electronic fault occurred in the vessel’s navigation system causing the Statesman to veer off course and run hard aground on a reef known as North Point. The vessel suffered some water ingress and damage to the rudders and propellers. No reports of injuries to the crew or the cattle on board.
The crew requested assistance and a tug was dispatched from Burnie to the scene. Several hours later the tug arrived and was quickly able to pull the Statesman free. The vessel was assisted back to port for repairs. Tasmanian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.