The 224 meter long, 74823 dwt bulk freighter Samatan ran aground at Gladstone, Australia. The Samatan was at anchor when it dragged allowing the freighter to drift onto a mud bank. The Samatan was later refloated the same day by the assistance of several tugs. The tugs towed the Samatan to deeper water where it was later inspected for damage. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. The Samatan had stopped at Gladstone to refuel after leaving Newcastle with a cargo of coal.
Wreckage was reported on June 15, 1898, from the barquentine Fido. The 525 gt sailing vessel Fido had left Newcastle bound for Auckland, New Zealand on May 5, 1898 with 710 tons of coal and coke. Shortly after departing, the Fido with Captain Morrison and the 11 crew on board were struck by a strong gale. The fate of the Fido was unknown for over a month. Some assumed the vessel may had been demasted or had run aground on a desolate beach. It was not too uncommon to have a sailing vessel be reported safe even several weeks later. However, all hope was lost when bits of wood were discovered with the name “Fido” on it. News reports of the time determined that the Fido was overwhelmed in the gale and foundered with all hands. Later reports place the Fido somewhere off Newcastle, Red Head, Nine Mile Beach. The Fido was built in 1876 at Arendal, Norway.
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The fishing vessel Barrier Star ran aground on Big Stevens Reef near Mackay, Australia. The trawler with six persons on board quickly contacted authorities for assistance. A rescue vessel from the VMR along with a rescue helicopter were dispatched to the scene. When rescuers reached the Barrier Star a few hours later, the crew had already refloated the fishing vessel. No reports of injuries or pollution being released. Reports state the trawler was taken under tow back to Mackay.
