What Crew Members Say About Milburn

In a significant maritime incident, investigators are en route to the port of Timaru after the Seabourn Encore, a United States-based cruise liner, collided with the Milburn Carrier II, a cement transport vessel. The collision occurred when the cruise ship broke free from its moorings on Sunday afternoon, leading to damage to the hull of the Milburn Carrier II. Despite the gravity of the situation, Seabourn has chosen not to disclose whether it will conduct an internal inquiry into the matter. Both the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and Timaru's PrimePort have announced their intentions to probe the events surrounding the collision. As part of the investigation, TAIC has confirmed that two of their investigators conducted interviews aboard the Seabourn Encore on Monday evening. Led by Captain Martin Harper, the investigation team noted the crew's cooperation and expressed that they gathered valuable information during their inquiries, helping to piece together the circumstances of the collision.

The cruise ship 'Seabourn Encore' encountered an unfortunate mishap when it allided with the cement carrier 'Milburn Carrier II' in Timaru, New Zealand, on February 12, 2017, at approximately 3:15 PM. A strong southerly wind gusting up to 76 km/h caused significant turmoil, leading to the snapping of four mooring lines. As a result, the Seabourn Encore drifted and collided with the starboard side of the Milburn Carrier II at its port side stern. In an effort to mitigate potential damage, pilot boats and tugs swiftly intervened to stabilize the cruise ship while awaiting a reduction in wind intensity. Eventually, with the assistance of two tugs, the Seabourn Encore was secured alongside the wharf using mooring lines. Fortunately, all 600 passengers and crew were reported safe, and they began heading back on board. Following the incident, New Zealand authorities launched an investigation, with the Transport Accident Investigation Commission commencing an inquiry. On February 13, two investigators departed from Wellington to initiate their examination of the event. While no injuries were reported, both the Seabourn Encore and the Milburn Carrier II sustained damage, raising concerns about the cruise ship's ability to depart for its next destination, Akaroa, as originally scheduled later that evening. Weather forecasts indicated a slight improvement in wind conditions overnight. For further details, including photos and video footage, visit the full report here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/89326844/cruise-ship-breaks-moorings-in-high-wind.