Authorities reveal cause of cargo ship ‘smoke’ mystery off Moffat Beach

Maritime authorities have revealed the reason behind smoke billowing from a cargo ship off the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

Smoke billowed from the MSC Cordelia III off the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Vessel Finder

Australian maritime authorities have revealed what was behind the cause of smoke billowing from a cargo ship off the Sunshine Coast on Thursday.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was alerted to an operational issue on the container ship MSC Cordelia III, off the coast of Moffat Beach on Thursday morning.

In response, emergency services were deployed to Queen of Colonies Pde and McIlwraith St to assist with the incident.

Shortly afterwards, firefighters were stood down.

In a statement, an AMSA spokesperson said the cause of the smoke was related to a mechanical issue.

A dramatic picture shows smoke from a cargo ship after it had mechanical difficulty off Moffat Beach on October 12. Picture: Contributed

“AMSA understands the vessel experienced a minor engine issue, which resulted in excessive smoke from its container stacks,” the spokesperson said.

“Vessel Traffic Services were informed, and first responders were notified (including Queensland Fire and Emergency Services) and then stood down.”

The MSC Cordelia III has departed Brisbane, and the vessel is currently safely underway.

“AMSA will continue to keep contact with the vessel,” they said.

The MSC Cordelia III is a cargo ship that was built in 2003 and currently sailing under the flag of Liberia.

The vessel is currently en route to Auboo.