A recent investigation revealed that communication failures contributed to a serious collision between the sail training ship Leeuwin II and the container ship Maersk Shekou in Fremantle Harbour last year. The incident, which occurred on August 30, 2022, resulted in injuries to two crew members aboard the Leeuwin II and significant damage to both vessels.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) conducted the investigation and found that one of the harbour pilots failed to provide a critical instruction while navigating the 333-meter-long Maersk Shekou through rough seas and stormy weather. The Maersk Shekou was being escorted by four tugboats at the time of the incident.

The report indicated that a secondary pilot, who was responsible for monitoring the ship's approach, was distracted by a non-essential phone call. This distraction prevented the pilot from noticing that the primary pilot had not issued a necessary course adjustment. As a result, the Maersk Shekou continued on its original heading and collided with the Leeuwin II, which was docked at the quay. The impact caused the wooden vessel's masts to collapse.

At the time of the collision, two crew members aboard the Leeuwin II were attempting to escape via the gangway. They sustained minor injuries during the incident. The Maersk Shekou also suffered damage, including a hull breach, and its stern struck the roof of the nearby WA Maritime Museum, causing damage to the building's facade.

The ATSB's findings highlighted that the crew on the Maersk Shekou's bridge did not adequately monitor the ship's position or challenge its course. ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell stated, "A properly functioning bridge team requires that all its members maintain a shared mental model to actively monitor a ship’s progress. This relies on relevant information being conveyed to all members of the team, and actions that are incorrect being identified, communicated and rectified immediately."

The investigation also noted that the bridge team was engaged with the final tug's attachment at a critical moment, which increased their workload. Additionally, the ATSB identified that several risk controls established by Fremantle Ports to ensure safe navigation had not been properly implemented. These included entering the inner harbour channel without all tugs secured and operating in conditions that exceeded documented safety limits.

In response to the investigation, both the pilotage provider and Fremantle Pilots have committed to implementing a range of safety measures. Mitchell emphasized the importance of reassessing risks and effectively communicating any changes during marine operations, especially under dynamic conditions. The Leeuwin II has since returned to the water after undergoing repairs for over a year following the incident.