Vessel in Shipping Channel Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (“Fortescue”) advises that a vessel has become grounded in the shipping channel at Port Hedland following departure from the Company’s wharf. There were no injuries and no hydrocarbon releases. The ship had been loaded correctly with 155,000 tonnes of product and sailed under the control of the Port Hedland Port Authority “PHPA” at the time of the incident. The PHPA pilot was on board as per usual practice. The vessel ran aground on the edge of the channel as it departed the harbour. Until the channel is cleared, there can be no ship movements in or out of the harbour. It is hoped that the vessel will be moved on the next high tide which is around 10.48am this morning. The MV Iron King was built in 1996 and was approved by the “Rightship” safety system on May 7 for this shipment. It was awarded a 4 out of 5 star rating so was automatically approved for the voyage. The ship owner is SK Shipping PLC Europe, and they have advised Fortescue that full assistance will be provided and a thorough investigation will be undertaken to determine the cause of the accident. Fortescue will provide updates as further information is received.
