TRINITY Bay grounded on Harrington Shoal on 19 January in light winds and calm seas while transiting the Great Barrier Reef on a regular voyage from Thursday Island to Cairns.
The coastal general cargo vessel was at a speed of 12 knots when it ran aground on the shole 410 nautical miles north of Cairns at 0810.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened an investigation into the grounding.
The ATSB said inspections showed no damage and no pollution, as the vessel grounded on a sandy bottom.
Inspections revealed no damage and no pollution—the ship had grounded on a sandy bottom.
Authorities including Reef VTS, AMSA and Maritime Services Queensland were advised of the incident.
About two hours after grounding the ship was refloated and moved to anchor awaiting further advice. At 1830 hrs on 20 January, approval was given for the ship to continue its voyage to Cairns.
As part of the investigation the ATSB will collect relevant evidence including interviewing directly involved parties.
A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation.
The 3200-dwt Trinty Bay is operated by Sea Swift. Its length overall is 81 metres, with a breadth of 15 metres and a draft of 5.74 metres. It has a container capacity of 125 TEU and was built in 1996 in South Korea and rebuilt in 1998.
