Australia Aids Listing Livestock Carrier

A Marshall Islands flagged livestock carrier listing from hull damage off Australia's western coast was directed to the Port of Geraldton.

On Monday night, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) tasked its Challenger search and rescue jet to fly over the vessel Barkly Pearl, and it was able to confirm damage to the starboard side of the vessel, which was listing to port.

AMSA General Manager of Response Mark Morrow said there were significant concerns for the integrity of the vessel and its ability to safely reach Indonesia, its planned destination. The 1993-built vessel had been sailing from Jakarta, India.

“We held concerns about the integrity of the vessel and the potential for environmental issues” Morrow said. “As a result, AMSA issued a direction for the vessel to make its way to safety in the Port of Geraldton.”

AMSA officials are currently working with Western Australian authorities to ensure that the vessel arrives safely in the Port of Geraldton. This includes managing any COVID-19 risks on arrival in line with state protocols.