The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has concluded a 24-day emergency response following engine failure on the bulk carrier Swift Hangzhou in the Coral Sea. The Liberian-flagged vessel lost power on February 1, 2026, prompting AMSA to activate emergency measures to prevent potential drift toward the Great Barrier Reef, a sensitive ecological area. This operation involved continuous monitoring and on-water support for over three weeks.
To ensure the vessel remained safely distanced from the reef, multiple tugboats were deployed, while weather and sea conditions were meticulously monitored. AMSA also assigned a Maritime Casualty Officer to board the Swift Hangzhou to evaluate the engine issues and provide guidance to both the vessel’s captain and AMSA’s response teams. Coordination with Maritime Safety Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was maintained throughout the operation.
By February 24, the Swift Hangzhou was securely anchored in Gladstone, Queensland, awaiting seaworthiness inspections. AMSA Executive Director Response, Alex Barrell, emphasized that this incident illustrates how quickly standard maritime operations can escalate into high-risk scenarios. He praised AMSA personnel for their round-the-clock efforts, underscoring the agency’s vital role in managing maritime incidents in environmentally sensitive regions.
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