Massive Waves

[Aliantha]

It's gone now. They've taken it in to port to repair the damage.

Apparently they'll be sending the owners a fairly hefty bill.

I wouldn't like to be the captain of that ship when it finally gets home.

[xoxoxoBruce]

They were praising the Jap owners for coming forth with the announcement they would pay the costs of dragging the ship off the beach and the taxpayers would get off cheap.

I've a feeling they stepped up to the plate, because if they didn't they could loose the whole damn ship to the salver. Maritime salvage law and all that.

[kelliekd]

is this the same boat from the Iotd? Those are scary huge waves in Australia if so.

[xoxoxoBruce]

Yes, huge.

The Newcastle Ports Corporation radioed 56 cargo vessels queuing to load coal at 5am yesterday and warned them to move out to sea. Other warnings were issued on Thursday night. All but 11 vessels heeded the call.

There was speculation the ships' captains might have taken a calculated risk that they could ride out the storm.

A spokeswoman for the corporation described the weather as extraordinary. "There is a 17.95 metre swell. We knew the weather that was coming, and they were warned, but there have been issues with [the ships leaving]."

[Aliantha]

I think you're right Bruce. If the bill wasn't paid I would suggest it's almost certain the ship wouldn't be leaving Australian waters.