A shipping disruption off Gladstone continued after two attempts to refloat Cape Falcon failed, gCaptain reported on 21 September.[7] The bulk carrier grounded on 18 September while attempting to anchor about six nautical miles east of the Queensland port.[7]
Queensland authorities said the first refloating operation involved six vessels, while the second used 10 harbor tugs and achieved only minimal movement.[7] Additional salvage options were under assessment when the report was published.[7]
No injuries, hull breaches or pollution had been reported, and the vessel was not blocking the main shipping channel.[7] Nevertheless, the recovery response had affected port operations, a consequence also reported by The Maritime Executive.[7][8]
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau plans to board the vessel, interview crew and collect evidence when conditions allow, according to gCaptain.[7] Investigators have ordered preservation of the voyage data recorder and will examine vessel tracking information, weather, crew and maintenance records.[7] A preliminary report is expected in about two months.[7]
Sources: [7] https://gcaptain.com/capesize-bulker-remains-aground-off-australia-after-refloating-attempts-fail [8] https://maritime-executive.com/article/giant-japanese-bulker-remains-aground-off-australia-after-four-days