The MV Portland Bay, a 28,446-dwt handysize bulk carrier owned by Hong Kong's Pacific Basin and flagged in the territory, became stranded off the Sydney coast, Australia on Monday (4 July).
 

According to the latest intelligence issued by the Port Authority of New South Wales at 3pm (HKT) the vessel remains at anchor with both anchors down in a position 1.2 nautical miles off Botany Bay near Cronulla Beach.
 

“The crew is taking every opportunity while in this situation to undertake repairs to their engines,” said Port Authority chief executive Captain Philip Holliday.
 

“Two tugs remain on site with the vessel today and I'm pleased that in the currently stable environment all crew have had the opportunity to refresh and get some rest after working in these extremely difficult and hazardous conditions throughout yesterday and overnight. 
 

“The third Emergency Tow Vessel (ETV), Glenrock has also arrived onsite after punching through southerly headwinds and over 10metre seas during the passage from Newcastle. 

“The specialized vessel with additional deep sea response capability, Glenrock, will be key in the next phase when moving the Portland Bay to safety. 
 

“The priority of this operation remains the safety of all involved and protecting the NSW coastline. All agencies involved are being extremely vigilant in planning every step we take to this end. 
 

“The plan today is to keep the vessel stable in the current location with tugs ready and available so we can affect a tow if needed, but otherwise keep her where she is as we await an improved weather window to bring her into Port Botany.” 
 

The alarm was initially raised early on Monday when the Portland Bay was hit by a power failure and began to drift towards the Sydney coast.
 

The UK's Guardian newspaper reported: “Early attempts by emergency services to rescue the stranded vessel were hindered by wild seas and torrid conditions. An aerial mission to winch the 21 crew members to safety – involving police, emergency rescue and defence helicopters – was called off due to the turbulent weather.
 

Preliminary advice from the ship's crew was that the vessel's turbo engine blower had failed.
 

Commenting on the unfolding situation, Peter Budd head of Pacific Basin's communications division said: “The primary focus at this time is the safety of our crew and the vessel. We are liaising closely with the AMSA and the authorities in New South Wales to resolve the situation.”

Source: Hong Kong Maritime Hub 

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