Maria Is ferry danger probe
MARINE Safety Tasmania has launched an investigation into whether the new Maria Island ferry can continue operating from Triabunna Marina after a several complaints of dangerous mishaps.
The ferry service between Triabunna and Maria Island on the state’s East Coast began last year and was described as a jewel in the crown for the region’s tourism.
The Mercury has been told that mishaps include a mechanical failure that caused a collision with a nearby boat, and a ferry worker hospitalised with hand injuries.
MARINE Safety Tasmania has launched an investigation into whether the new Maria Island ferry can actually operate safely out of the Triabunna Marina, after a number of “incidents”.
The new ferry service between Triabunna and Maria Island on the state’s East Coast — called Encounter Maria Island — began last year, with the hope it would build on the island’s growing reputation as a jewel in the crown for the region’s tourism.
But the Mercury has been told that there have been increasing questions at the marina about whether the new vessel is too big after a series of recent complaints and an investigation by MAST.
MAST manager Peter Hopkins confirmed it was looking into a matter but declined to comment further. “We have not appointed an investigator at this stage,” he said.
The Mercury has been told that mishaps referred to MAST included a mechanical failure that caused a collision with a nearby boat, narrowly missing people working on that boat.
Another involved a worker on the ferry having to go to hospital.
There also were general questions about the vessel’s ability to operate safely into the Triabunna marina.
In 2016 Navigators Group — owned and operated by the Roche family, who also conduct the Mona and Port Arthur services — won a State Government tender to run the service from last year.
Originally, Encounter Maria Island ran a 90-passenger ferry, but for this summer a larger vessel — the 31m Osprey V, which has capacity for 152 people — was put into service — to meet increasing demand.
A spokesman for Encounter Maria Island said an internal review was in progress.
“In separate incidents over the past couple of weeks, minor damage occurred to another vessel while manoeuvring the ferry in the Triabunna marina and a crew member injured their hand when departing Triabunna on a separate journey,” he said.
“The crew member is recovering well and is keen to get back to work.
“The incidents are subject to internal review and are being dealt with by the relevant authorities.
“We are grateful for the support and assistance we have had from those involved.”