Australian Maritime Safety Authority, NT WorkSafe investigating SeaLink ferry fire

The federal maritime safety watchdog has launched an investigation after an ferry fire led to 184 people being rescued off the Northern Territory coast.

Sea Darwin, Sea Tiwi was part of the response after a ferry travelling between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands caught fire with 184 people on board, on Friday August 16.

The federal maritime safety watchdog has launched an investigation after an engine room fire led to 184 people being evacuated from a ferry off the Northern Territory coast.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has confirmed it was undertaking preliminary inquiries into a fire on-board the Tiwi Mantawi at 4.38pm on Friday, August 16.

SeaLink Northern Territory vessel, the Tiwi Mantawi, docked at the Frances Bay Mooring, commonly called the Duck Pond, following a mechanical issue blaze on Friday August 16.

An AMSA spokesman said the fire broke out while the SeaLink Northern Territory passenger ferry was in transit from Bathurst Island to Darwin.

“The crew successfully extinguished the fire using on-board fire suppressant systems,” a spokesman said.

While the federal agency has stepped in, NT WorkSafe has raised their concern that the Territory-based watchdog was not alerted to the “dangerous incident” at a worksite.

“NT WorkSafe has not received an incident notification regarding the commercial passenger vessel fire which occurred on Friday afternoon,” a spokesman on Monday said.

He said the agency would contact the vessel operator over the incident.

NT Police were part of the response after a ferry travelling between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands caught fire with 184 people on board, on Friday August 16.

“NT WorkSafe reminds all persons conducting a business or undertaking that if a serious injury, a dangerous incident or death has occurred at the workplace, there is a requirement to notify NT WorkSafe under the Work Health and Safety laws.

“An uncontrolled fire is a dangerous incident .”

SeaLink Northern Territory vessel, the Tiwi Mantawi, docked at the Frances Bay Mooring, commonly called the Duck Pond, following a mechanical issue blaze on Friday August 16.

AMSA said the ferry had to be towed to Darwin, while NT Police and SeaLink’s other vessel the Tommy Lyons worked together to get the 180 passengers and four crew to safety.

The Sea Darwin, Sea Tiwi said their boats were also deployed for the rescue effort.

AMSA said a CareFlight rescue helicopter from Darwin also provided overhead support during the evacuation.