Derwent close call prompts inquiry

A DETAILED report on the close encounter between a 75m commercial shipping vessel and dinghies skippered by children has been filed with the relevant authorities.

The Ronja Huon docked next to Princes Wharf Shed No. 1 in Hobart. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A DETAILED report on the close encounter between a 75m commercial shipping vessel and dinghies skippered by children on Saturday has been filed with Marine and Safety Tasmania and with the Hobart Port Harbour Master.

Sailor Shaun Tiedemann said onlookers were horrified when the Huon Aquaculture leased vessel Ronja Huon sailed through the Sandy Bay Sailing Club children’s dinghy sailing course on Saturday.

About 100 children were on board the 70 dinghies on the water, including some as young as eight.

The fleet included Sailability boats containing people with disabilities.

MORE: SHIP ACCUSED ON CROSSING KIDS’ RACE

Mr Tiedemann said photos taken on the water showed the Norwegian flagged and foreign crewed vessel was not flying a “H” or “Pilotage” flag. The photos are part of a combined incident report filed by the Sandy Bay Sailing Club and the Derwent Sailing Squadron.

“A ‘H-flag’ is required when a pilot is in charge of a vessel which tells everyone to keep 500m clear — none of the people on Saturday saw a H-flag,’’ Mr Tiedemann said.

A separate incident where a Huon Aquaculture boat towing a company barge also allegedly sailed through the racecourse is part of the report.

TasPorts released a statement stating that the Ronja Huon had right of way over all other craft in the vicinity.

The Ronja Huon surrounded by small craft on the River Derwent on Saturday. Picture: SUPPLIED

“Marine safety is everyone’s business. On a busy day such as the Derwent River experienced on Saturday, it is up to all parties to ensure that clear and proactive communication is delivered, risks are appropriately managed.

“It is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure that awareness of relevant procedures … are in place so that commercial shipping can be consistently and safely accommodated on the … river.”

Both the Ronja Huon and the barge were sailing to the Hobart docks for Huon Aquaculture’s open day at PW1 on Sunday.

Huon Aquaculture said it had done nothing wrong and had followed all TasPorts’ requirements.

A spokesman for the salmon producer said it had been “in constant contact with TasPorts regarding the Ronja Huon’s movements before and during its sailing up the river”.

“We complied with all TasPorts’ requirements and the boat was under pilot from one of their employees,’’ he said.

MAST recreational boating manager Peter Hopkins confirmed it had received the report yesterday.

The sailing clubs, TasPorts and the captain and crew on board the Ronja Huon would be interviewed by MAST officers before a draft response was issued, Mr Hopkins said.

All parties will have 30 days to respond before the MAST board hands down its findings in February.

Depending on the recommendations of the investigator, any party found guilty could be fined between $320 and $800.

Originally published as Derwent close call prompts inquiry