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Mellum Trader safe in port

The "Mellum Trader" arrived in Broome on Mar 1 at 6 a.m. with the assistance of the tug "Yarra". The Australian Maritime Safety Authority inspected the ship‘s cargo security on Mar 1 after it travelled more than 250 nautical miles with a list of 15 degrees. The 360-TEUvessel operates on Westlink’s North West Express Line between south-east Asia and north-west WA and was southbound from Indonesia to Broome and Dampier when hit by bad weather associated with tropical cyclone Rusty. AMSA’s Rescue Co-ordination Centre had issued a distress broadcast which was answered by the Farstad offshore rig supply vessel "Far Scimitar", which eventually spent over 30 hours escorting the "Mellum Trader". Another ORSV, Tidewater’s "Allison Tide", also attended. The Broome Marine & Tug’s "Yarra" was able to assist, closer to port. Photo: http://www.amsa.gov.au/media/incidents/Mellum/images/2013-Feb-Mellum-Full.jpg

Mellum Trader on the way to Broome

The "Mellum Trader" which was at risk of rolling after rough weather caused cargo to shift was reported to be on its way to Broome on Feb 28, in company with the tug "Far Scimitar" that responded to its distress call. The Master of the Mellum Trader requested the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s assistance on Feb 26 evening, reporting the vessel had a list of around 35 degrees 190 nautical miles north-west of Broome. The vessel altered its course away from the coast later that evening, using the movement of the ocean to reduce the list to 15 degrees. The "Far Scimitar" has been travelling alongside the vessel for more than 30 hours, standing by should assistance be required. The "Mellum Trader"’s owners have contracted another tug to rendezvous with their vessel later on Feb 28 and assist with its safe passage into the port at Broome. The Master has confirmed rough weather caused the vessel’s cargo to shift. The Mellum Trader has 13 people on board and is carrying oil well development casings. The weather conditions included strong winds and rough seas. AMSA thanked the owners and operators of the "Far Scimitar" for their assistance in this incident. AMSA’s Darwin-based Dornier has now been relocated to Broome should its assistance be required.

Tugs alongside distressed heavy load carrier

The crew of the "Mellum Trader" spent a perilous night listing in rough seas about 320 km north-west of Broome in the night of Feb 27, 2013. The heavy load carrier, was headed for Broome when it began listing at an angle of 35 degrees in the afternoon of Feb 26. The ship was carrying new oil well casings and it is understood a cargo shift caused the heavy listing. As the 13 crew onboard worked to stabilise the vessel, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated rescue efforts. A surveillance aircraft from Broome located the vessel 190 nm north-west of Broome. The "Mellum Trader", which was heading into bad weather in an attempt to right itself. The ship had to alter its course to restabilise, but by midnight it was only listing 15 degrees. The tugs "Far Scimitar" and "Allison Tide" went alongside and provided assistance. The crew also conducted some ballasting of the vessel, which contributed to an improved position. Early on Feb 27, the vessel’s master reported the situation had stabilised and no further risk had developed overnight. The "Mellum Trader" was continuing on this course away from Broome. It was unknown at this stage what may have caused the vessel to tilt.