Two tugs submerged in river after being hit by commercial ship

Video captured by shocked dock workers shows the moment a ship ploughs headfirst into the two tugboats in North West Tasmania. WATCH >>

Devonport locals are being warned to stay away from the water near Mersey River, where two sunk tug boats are spilling diesel into the port.

The Tasmanian Environment Protection Agency has issued an alert for people not to touch the water. The alert is for an extended period.

The two tugs, Campbell Cove and York Cove, were sunk after the cement carrying Goliath rammed into them on the Mersey River on Friday morning.

CRASH: Dock workers were shocked to see a cement ship plough into two tugboats in Devonport. Picture: Supplied

Video captured by shocked dock workers shows the moment when the ship ploughs headfirst into the two tugboats at the Port of Devonport.

“Better ring the f … ng boss,” one of them says after a moment of stunned silence.

It is understood the Goliath was manoeuvring into its regular No. 1 West Berth where it picks up cement which is railed into the port from Cement Australia’s Railton plant.

Devonport West wharf infrastructure has also been damaged by the crash.

TasPorts Chief Operating Officer Stephen Casey said crews were working around the clock to contain the oil spill.

“TasPorts teams have been continually working on the response since the incident occurred

yesterday. The priority remains the containment of oil spill from the submerged tugs,” Mr Casey said.

Sunken tugs in the Port of Devonport. Picture: Peter Briggs

“Looking forward, TasPorts has commenced planning for salvage operations for the two

tugs. Salvage specialists have mobilised on site and divers are undertaking thorough

assessments of the vessels to support planning of next steps.”

Mr Casey said they would be working with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in the aftermath.

He said TasPorts would be working with customers to minimise disruption to shipping schedules.

It remains unclear at this stage whether the crash was caused by human error or mechanical failure.

Two tugs submerged in river after being hit by commercial ship – Friday, January 29

CEMENT carrier Goliath collided with two TasPorts tugs in the Mersey River on Friday morning and efforts to contain any potential oil spill are underway.

TasPorts said the incident happened just before midday. It is understood the Goliath was manoeuvring into its regular berth on the river’s western bank where it picks up cement which is railed into the port from Cement Australia’s Railton plant.

The impacted tugs – the Campbell Cove and the York Cove – started taking on water after the collision and by Friday afternoon were both submerged.

Two tug boats sinking in Devonport after being hit by cement carrier Goliath. Picture: Peter Briggs

“Both TasPorts tugs were berthed and stationary at the time of the incident,” TasPorts said.

The port operator has notified the Environmental Protection Authority and oil spill equipment has been deployed around the stricken vessels.

“TasPorts is actively managing the situation and is working with relevant agencies to respond.

“The immediate priority is containing any oil spill.”

There were no crew members on board either of the tugs hit but the bigger commercial ship.

The EPA said it had been notified of the crash and was standing up an Incident Response Team to take the lead on the environmental management responsibilities.

“Oil spill response equipment has been deployed around both tugs,” the EPA said.

“TasPorts’ focus will be on salvage and preventing further spillage from the vessels. The EPA is preparing for further environmental impacts. AMSA is aware of the incident.”

The State Marine Pollution Committee met at 4pm Friday to discuss the response, roles and responsibilities moving forward.

“The EPA is working with Tas Ports and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania to identify impacted industries and wildlife and protect and minimise damage,” the authority said.

“We thank the community for their support; however, we will not be requesting on-ground volunteer support from the general public at this time due to safety requirements around this response.”