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MAERSK SHIP DAMAGES PORT ENTERING FREMANTLE AND DEMASTS ICONIC SAILING SHIP
DETAIL INFORMATION
When a Maersk container ship attempted to dock in poor weather, it severely destroyed portions of the Fremantle, Australia port including the well-known three-masted training ship Leeuwin II. Following the early Friday, August 30, event, which left the port and locals in shock, two people on board the sailing ship suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
A witness told Radio 6PR Australia, "The Leeuwin has been absolutely smashed to pieces." It's listing over and hanging over onto the port, and not a single mast is upright. Images displayed damaged berth sections and sections of the mast hanging on the containership's bow, along with other debris in the ocean. The Western Australia Maritime Museum also had some roof damage. The containership's hull has a gash as well.
It was approximately 0600 local time as the Maersk Shekou (108,622 dwt) entered the port to berth. Four tugs were helping the vessel, according to port officials, and there were two pilots on board. Australia has been having severe weather lately, and on Friday, wind advisories were in effect for a large portion of the nation. According to reports, the seas were running at roughly eight feet this morning and there was a 20-knot wind blowing into Fremantle.