Discover the Cape-Falcon: Ratings & Maritime News

The bulk carrier 'Cape Falcon' was successfully refloated on September 24, after being aground for six days approximately six nautical miles off the coast of the Port of Gladstone. The operation involved a coordinated effort from a fleet of tugs operated by Boluda Towage Australia. The incident transpired while the vessel was en route to an anchorage point for bunkering. Initial refloating attempts had proven unsuccessful due to the ship's rigid grounding in the seabed. The Boluda tugboats played a crucial role in the salvage operation by maneuvering the vessel sideways, which assisted in freeing it from its seabed entrapment. A high tide ultimately allowed the crew to tow the 'Cape Falcon' to a secure anchorage position at coordinates 23° 50' N 151° 31' E. In the aftermath of the refloating, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority has detained the vessel pending a thorough seaworthiness inspection before it can depart. Additionally, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau is conducting an investigation into the grounding incident, utilizing data from the ship's voyage data recorder along with weather and maritime conditions observed at the time.

On September 18, 2026, the bulk carrier 'Ocean Falcon' encountered trouble while navigating towards Gladstone, Queensland. The vessel, originating from Haystone, ran aground in position 23° 52' S 151° 30' E, approximately six nautical miles east of the Port of Gladstone, while attempting to anchor. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, hull damages, or pollution incidents. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has initiated an investigation into the grounding. Investigators are planning to board the vessel to conduct interviews and gather evidence, ensuring that all pertinent information is documented. Meanwhile, the vessel's Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) data will be preserved, and investigators are compiling additional relevant data, including ship tracking, weather conditions, and records from the crew, operator, and maintenance history. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has detained the 'Ocean Falcon'. Meanwhile, Maritime Safety Queensland remains actively involved in the situation following two unsuccessful attempts to refloat the vessel, which required the assistance of six and ten tug boats, respectively. Despite not obstructing the shipping channel, the vessel's grounding has impacted port operations. As of September 22, recovery efforts continue with the ship remaining immobilized, and salvage experts are being consulted for viable options to safely reposition the vessel.