Foundering of the M.V. Lady Ann off Exmouth, Western Australia

At 0500 on 18 September 1982, the offshore supply vessel Lady Ann was manoeuvring close alongside the drilling ship Regional Endeavour, off the Exmouth Gulf, WA, in order to transfer a mooring wire. Regional Endeavour was also under way, making good a speed of about 21/2 knots.

Suddenly, Lady Ann sheered towards Regional Endeavour and, despite the efforts of the Master, came in contact with the drilling ship. As a result, Lady Ann received a 60mm gash in the shell plating, below the engine room floor plates.

The Master decide to try and beach the vessel near to Exmouth, but the pumps were unable to cope with the inflow of water so, at 0630, the crew was taken off by Lady Sally.

Lady Ann sank at 0925.