Car Carrier Cargo Ship Accident
On August 17, 2014, a severe storm struck Fremantle, Australia. In the port the 200 meter long car carrier Grand Pioneer and the 149 meter long, 18762 dwt general cargo vessel AAL Fremantle were moored alongside the north quay. Crews were busy unloading cars from the Grand Pioneer as the winds picked up. The winds increased as gusts topped over 122 kph. The crew had just completed unloading vehicles when the stern mooring lines of the Grand Pioneer snapped. At the same time, the bowlines of the AAL Fremantle snapped. Both vessels pushed by the wind swung out into the harbor. The AAL Fremantle allided with the nearby rail bridge. The Grand Pioneer struck the 65 meter long, 1639 dwt bunker tanker Parmelia 1 which was moored near the bridge. Both the bridge and vessels sustained damage. Authorities closed traffic to the bridge until it could be inspected. No reports of injuries or pollution released.
