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Shipping News and information / Re: Pasha Bulker aground Newcastle Australia

« on: June 24, 2007, 11:34:44 PM »

Word round Newcastle is that on the evening of June 7 the Newcastle Port Company broadcast a storm warning to all the ships laying at anchor off the coast and recommended they weigh anchor and head out to sea. Most complied even though they were lightly ballasted. But 4 ships including the Pasha Bulker decided to remain (possibly at the direction to their masters by owners) in their anchored state. Early the following morning when the full force of the storm hit the Newcastle area the masters of these ships rather belatedly decided to weigh anchor and get underway. 2 ships successfully moved off shore, 1 almost ran aground off Stockton Beach north of Newcastle until directed to take assistance from tugs (got within 600m of the beach) and the Pasha Bulker, despite getting her engine going, lost control and came ashore at Nobby's Beach. Seems she was so high out of the water her propellor could not get any bite.