Grounding of TNT Alltrans in the Great Barrier Reef

Introduction

TNT Alltrans sailed from the Port of Gladstone, Queensland, at 2238 on 24 March 1985, bound for Bluff, South Island, New Zealand, with a cargo of alumina in bulk. The vessel cleared the fairway buoy at midnight, when the main engines were rung full away, course was set at 092° & the autopilot was engaged. The 12-4 bridge watch consisted of the Watch Officer & an AB as lookout.

The course lines drawn on the chart indicated a course alteration, to 101°, north of Bustard Head, this to take the vessel south of Lady Musgrave Island & then north of Lady Elliot Island.

At about 0340 on 25 March 1985, TNT Alltrans groudned at full speed on Lady Musgrave Island, the engine not being stopped until the change of watch at 0400.

TNT Alltrans was refloated, with tug assistance, on 26 March 1985, having suffered extensive bottom damage, but no pollution had resulted.

Conclusions

The grounding was directly caused by the failure of the Watch Officer to control the navigation of the ship over an extended period, from about 0030 on 25 March to the time of the grounding. Specifically it was brought about by his failure to alter course when off Bustard Head & also by the failure of the Lookout to appreciate that the ship was standing into danger.

A Court of Marine Inquiry (No 162) into the grounding was held at Sydney during June 1986.