Discover the Leo: Ratings & Maritime News

On the evening of November 1, 2023, the newly constructed Australian-flagged ferry 'Spirit of Tasmania V' (IMO: 9936599), weighing 48,000 gross tons, experienced a harrowing incident in Rauma, Finland. During the severe weather conditions brought on by Storm Lyly, the vessel broke loose from the construction pier at Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC) and drifted away from its berth due to hurricane-force winds reaching speeds of up to 65 knots. The ferry subsequently ran aground on the embankment. Fortunately, the presence of the tug 'Leo' and two accompanying barges, which were positioned between the ferry and the quayside, mitigated what could have been catastrophic damage to the vessel, though this also resulted in the tug becoming jammed. After the storm subsided, the 'Spirit of Tasmania V' was successfully refloated and towed back to its berth for a thorough inspection concerning potential bottom damage. Investigations into the incident are underway as maritime authorities assess the circumstances surrounding the vessel’s escape from its moorings.