STS Leeuwin has suffered ‘significant’ damage: Jay Weatherill

As we reported earlier today, this morning the STS Leeuwin, which was berthed alongside Fremantle Harbour, was hit by a large vessel – the Maersk Shekou – which was apparently manoeuvring in Fremantle Harbour.

Damaged Leeuwin 2. Credit Jean Hudson

Two of the dedicated crew were on board the Leeuwin at the time of the collision. Both were injured but managed to escape from the vessel and are being assessed and receiving medical treatment.

Jay Weatherill, chair of the Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation that manages the Leeuwin and engages the crew, says the Foundation’s ‘first concern is for their safety and welfare and our thoughts and best wishes are with our crew mates for a speedy recovery’.

Fremantle Shipping News understands that once the crew are cared for a proper assessment of the vessel will be undertaken and and the Foundation will update on the status of the vessel.

However, Mr Weatherill says it is clear already that the damage to the STS Leeuwin is ‘significant and will result in a temporary cessation of the Foundation’s adventure based training program’.

The Leeuwin has been helping the youth of Western Australia for more than 35 years and remains a community-based volunteer driven organisation. The Leeuwin has sailed rougher seas over these years and the hope is that it will return to the service of the youth of WA as soon as possible.

By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News

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