Reviews & Ratings for the Microstep

On May 3, 2022, the log carrier 'Microstep' encountered troubles while navigating through the China Strait in Milne Bay, running aground on a reef during its eastbound transit. Salvage efforts promptly commenced, with the tug 'Pacific Salvor' and a barge dispatched from the log pond to assist in the operation, which necessitated the partial offloading of the vessel's cargo. After several days of meticulous work, the 'Microstep' was successfully refloated on May 8 and subsequently anchored approximately 2.4 miles away from the grounding site. This location was chosen to facilitate the return of the offloaded logs and to carry out thorough inspections. Fortunately, investigations revealed no damage to the hull of the vessel. By May 10, the 'Microstep' moved into Milne Bay and anchored near Gurney. Although no major deficiencies were identified during the inspections, the vessel faced detention in Alotau due to its failure to report the incident to the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and for causing damage to the surrounding coral reef.