Vessel Affected by Cyclone

Two vessels from the Australia based-Perkins Shipping fleet have found themselves at the mercy of tropical cyclone Craig. The master of the MV Balangut, a 1469 dwt tonne RoRo cargo vessel, reported his ship’s bow door had potentially been lost due to the heavy seas. The position puts the Balangut some 70 nautical miles north of Melville Island close to the center of Cyclone Craig, and she has been advised by Perkins’ Darwin office to continue to slowly steam north until such time as the storm abates. It is expected that the ship’s cargo may have suffered some damage but the master and all crew members are reported safe and well. The Balangut will be brought back to Darwin for repairs as soon as it is safe and appropriate. Meanwhile she will be joined by another member of the Perkins’ fleet, the aptly named Arafura Endeavour. She is currently west of Bathurst Island and, despite experiencing heavy seas and believed to have suffered cargo damage, she is making her way to the Balangut’s position where she will stand by to assist if required. She should arrive in the vicinity of Balangut at approximately 1315 hrs today. Once again, the master of the Arafura Endeavour has radioed in to say that he and his crew are all well. When conditions stabilise, both vessels are expected to make for Darwin under their own power. Appropriate maritime authorities, insurance companies and Perkins customers have been notified.