The ATSB is investigating the grounding of the tug Sea Pelican in Port Adelaide, South Australia on 10 June 2025.
On the morning of 10 June the 23.5 m tug Sea Pelican was pushing the 55 m barge Rocksea from its base of operations to a worksite further upriver in the port (berth 25).
The tug was hipped-up to the starboard quarter of the barge. On departing the base, the tug and barge combination was to transit the North Arm of the Port Adelaide River, before being manoeuvred through the hard port turn into the river. As the turn was being negotiated the tug and barge combination went wide in the turn and the tug touched bottom on a sandbank on the northern side of the channel. The tug came clear of the bottom and the transit continued to its destination.
While en route to the worksite, a bilge alarm sounded on the tug. Water ingress into the engine room was found. Operations were stopped while the engine room bilges were lowered and a temporary repair made to a hole in the hull.
The tug returned to base (the barge remained at the worksite) and plans for repairs were made. The tug was subsequently slipped and a permanent repair made to the hull.
The ATSB investigation has commenced gathering evidence from relevant parties for analysis.
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.
A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.