Update: 2 more ships at risk of grounding

More information is starting to emerge from Australia on the coal ship Pasha Bulker

From the Sydney Morning Herald:

At least two more ships are at risk of running aground in Newcastle, after a bulk carrier ran aground at a city beach, forcing the evacuation of crew members by helicopter.

A rescue operation is in full swing with three helicopters airlifting the crew off the stricken, fuel-laden vessel, the Pasha Bulker, which is just 20 metres off the sand.

One News of Australia tells us:

The empty Pasha Bulker had been anchored off the coal port of Newcastle awaiting entry when waves as high as four meters and gale force winds swept it onto a reef

“We have a rescue operation under way with a tug boat hoping to pull the ship back out to sea,” said a police spokesman.

“There is 21 crew on board and no one has been injured.”

Newcastle Port authorities said there were currently 58 ships anchored offshore. The ships will supply coal to power stations in Asia, especially Japan, but also Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong.

NSW Maritime chief executive Chris Oxenbould said the bulk carrier was understood to be carrying 700 tonnes of fuel oil, 38 tonnes of diesel and 40 tonnes of lube oil.

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John Konrad is a USCG licensed Master Mariner of Unlimited Tonnage currently working as Chief Mate aboard a 865′ ship in the Gulf of Mexico. Since graduating from SUNY Maritime College he has sailed in 4 of the worlds oceans and reports from his ship via satellite.

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