Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Statesman

In a disturbing case that has raised questions about animal welfare at sea, John McGee, the captain of the landing craft 'Statesman', pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary pain and suffering to cattle during a harrowing journey across the Bass Strait. In a Tasmanian court on November 21, 2022, it was revealed that 207 cattle were subjected to extreme hardship during a January 2016 crossing from Stanley, Tasmania, to Port Welshpool, Victoria, amid inclement weather. Allegations emerged that many of the animals were left unattended for over six hours after arrival, leading to several injuries and fatalities. The reality of the voyage was dire, with conditions deteriorating beyond weather forecasts, exposing the cattle to treacherous thunderstorms and gale-force winds. According to court proceedings, three massive rogue waves more than six meters high crashed into the pens where the animals were held, resulting in the deaths of ten cattle during the crossing and the euthanasia of an additional 59 once the vessel docked. Crown prosecutor Madeleine Wilson indicated that the delay in unloading the cattle, caused by port authorities waiting for an assessment from Victorian animal health officials, could have exacerbated the suffering of the animals. Ms. Wilson emphasized that the perilous situation prevented crew members from accessing the deck to assist the distressed livestock, leading to some being crushed by others while others succumbed to hypothermia. Defense attorney Peta Smith acknowledged that although Mr. McGee ultimately made the decision to set sail, he was under significant pressure from the ship's late owner, Les Dick, who had instructed the departure despite expressing concerns about the weather. Mr. McGee is currently the only individual facing charges related to this unfortunate incident, with other co-defendants having their cases dismissed. A sentencing date is set for January, as the case sheds light on maritime responsibilities and animal welfare standards in the shipping industry.

On September 2, 2017, at approximately 3 p.m., the landing craft "Statesman" ran aground near North Point Reef off the picturesque coast of Stanley, Tasmania, while en route from Tasmania to King Island. An electronic malfunction in the vessel's navigation system caused it to stray off its intended course, leading to the incident. Fortunately, local authorities were quick to respond to reports of the grounding, and a Burnie-based tugboat was dispatched without delay. After a challenging seven-hour operation, the tug successfully refloated the "Statesman" just after midnight. Despite taking on some water, the damage to the vessel was assessed as minimal, mainly affecting her rudders and propellers. The timely rescue was especially fortuitous as the weather deteriorated rapidly shortly after the crew was saved. Following the incident, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) confirmed that biosecurity officers from DPIPWE inspected the cattle aboard the craft, reporting that all the animals were in good health. Amid the incident, it is essential to note that the freighter "Investigator II," which also services King Island, was in dock undergoing repairs for engine troubles, intensifying the urgency for the "Statesman" to resume its operations. Meanwhile, Marine and Safety Tasmania has commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the grounding, ensuring that similar incidents can be prevented in the future.