The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has ended a 24-day emergency response to prevent a disabled bulk carrier from drifting toward the Great Barrier Reef. The Liberian-flagged Swift Hangzhou lost power in the Coral Sea on February 1, 2026, leading to intensive monitoring and support efforts. The vessel is now safely anchored in Gladstone, Queensland.
On February 1, 2026, the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Swift Hangzhou experienced engine failure in the Coral Sea, raising concerns about potential drift toward the sensitive Great Barrier Reef areas. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) immediately activated its response arrangements to manage the situation and protect the surrounding marine environment.
Over the following three weeks, AMSA coordinated a comprehensive operation involving multiple tugs to secure the vessel away from the reef and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Weather and sea conditions were monitored continuously to assess risks. A Maritime Casualty Officer was deployed onboard to evaluate the engine issue and provide guidance to the vessel's master and response teams.
Collaboration was key, with AMSA working alongside Maritime Safety Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Daily checks ensured the crew's welfare, including provisions and onboard support. By February 5, 2026, tugs were actively escorting the Swift Hangzhou, as documented in operational photos.
The effort concluded successfully on February 24, 2026, when the vessel reached safe anchorage in Gladstone, Queensland. It remains detained there for seaworthiness inspections.
AMSA Executive Director Response Alex Barrell emphasized the operation's importance. “This incident is a reminder that the unexpected in maritime work can happen at any point in a vessel’s voyage,” Barrell said. He added, “In the case of the Swift Hangzhou, AMSA’s approach prevented risk to the vessel, crew, and marine environment.” Barrell praised the round-the-clock coordination by AMSA personnel.
This response underscores AMSA's role in handling propulsion losses near environmentally vulnerable waters, averting potential threats to marine ecosystems.
