The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is investigating an incident where the bulk carrier Basic Victory suffered a propulsion failure and drifted dangerously close to the coast north of Newcastle, New South Wales, on 30 July 2025.
At about 8:00 a.m. local time, the Marshall Islands-flagged vessel was waiting about 20 miles off the Port of Newcastle for a berth when its main engine suddenly failed. The ship began drifting toward the coastline with no propulsion.
By around 5:30 p.m., the vessel had moved to within three miles of the nearest land. At that point, the ship’s master informed Newcastle vessel traffic service about the engine failure and requested permission to anchor. Soon afterward, the crew managed to restart the main engine, allowing the vessel to move clear of the coastline.
The Basic Victory berthed in Newcastle on 7 August. Once docked, ATSB investigators boarded the ship to gather evidence. They interviewed the master and other crew members, collected recorded data, and reviewed documentary evidence linked to both the failure and the emergency response.
Following repairs, the vessel departed Newcastle on 9 August and is currently sailing towards Japan, where it is expected to arrive next week.
The ATSB confirmed that its investigation will examine the cause of the propulsion failure as well as the response actions taken on board and ashore.
The bureau added that if it identifies any critical safety issues during the process, it will immediately inform the ship’s operator, the port, and other relevant authorities to ensure timely safety measures are carried out.
Reference: ATSB
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