A malfunction on the cargo vessel Matthew Flinders III left it without steering for over eight hours due to inadequate training of the master regarding the backup steering system, according to an Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigation. The incident took place on July 23, 2025, while the vessel was navigating from Bridport, Tasmania, to Flinders Island, carrying fertilizer and agricultural equipment. An autopilot alarm signaled a steering failure when the rudders locked, resulting in an uncontrolled turn amidst moderate seas.
Initially, the crew struggled to ascertain the cause of the steering loss. They disconnected the hydraulic steering from the rudder crossbar, manually centered the rudders, and utilized differential thrust from the twin propellers to regain limited control. After eight hours, the chief engineer identified a loose linkage arm on the rudder angle sensor, which, once fixed, restored steering, allowing the vessel to continue its journey.
The investigation revealed that while the primary steering systems were disabled, the backup “toggle steering” system was functional, yet the master was unfamiliar with its controls. The ATSB highlighted deficiencies in the vessel’s safety management, noting that training did not cover backup procedures, and emergency drills were inadequate. Following the incident, improvements were initiated in crew training, and clearer instructions were posted, although the ATSB called for further enhancements to emergency protocols.
