Propulsion failure of Basic Victory, near the coast, 33 km north of Newcastle, New South Wales, on 30 July 2025

The ATSB is investigating the incident which involved the propulsion failure of the bulk carrier, Basic Victory, close to the coast of New South Wales, north of Newcastle, on 30 July 2025.

At about 0800 local time on 30 July, Basic Victory was drifting about 20 miles off the Port of Newcastle while waiting to berth there, when its main engine failed. The ship drifted towards the coastline north of Newcastle and by about 1730 had closed to within 3 miles of the nearest land. At about this time, the ship’s master reported the propulsion failure to Newcastle vessel traffic service and requested permission to anchor. Shortly afterwards, however, the crew succeeded in restarting the main engine and the ship steamed clear of the coastline.

ATSB investigators attended the ship after it had berthed in Newcastle on 7 August to collect evidence and interview the master and relevant crewmembers.

The ATSB has commenced the examination and analysis of the initial evidence collected. To date, the ATSB investigation has included:

• interviewing the ship's crew and operators
• interviewing the Newcastle harbour master and vessel traffic services operators
• a preliminary review of the ship's track
• collecting documentary evidence including communication records from the concerned parties
• a preliminary review of the actions taken by the various parties during the incident.

The continuing investigation will include further examination and analysis of:

• procedural documentation from the various parties
• operational and maintenance documentation from the ship
• incident related communications
• emergency actions implemented by the concerned parties
• related occurrences.

A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the operators of the ship and the port, and other relevant parties so that appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.