CAR carrier Kariyushi Leader has been repaired after losing steering in Bass Strait in rough weather last week.
Kariyushi Leader is currently 67 kilometres (36 nautical miles) south of Phillip Island, Victoria.
A spokesperson for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority told DCN repairs to the vessel were carried out by late Saturday (9 September) afternoon and the vessel is now able to manoeuvre independently.
“AMSA worked with the vessel owner, the master, and local authorities, to manage the incident and protect the crew and marine environment,” the spokesperson said.
“The recent repairs will be certified by technical specialists today. AMSA will then determine if the vessel can safely enter port, most likely Melbourne.”
The AMSA spokesperson said Ports Victoria would undertake a risk assessment to enable its port of Melbourne harbour master to determine the requirements for the vessel to enter Port Phillip Bay.
“Once berthed, AMSA will conduct a port sate control inspection of the vessel,” the spokesperson said.
The vessel has approximately 3000 vehicles onboard, according to operator NYK. It was travelling from Laem Chabang in Thailand to Melbourne, via Perth.
