Statement from Captain James Rakich
Statement to Leeuwin volunteers from James Rakich, Leading Master, STS Leeuwin II
Hello friends and family of Leeuwin,
It is with a heavy but hopeful heart that I write this, after the incident on Friday 30th August, where the vessel was dismasted whilst alongside at B Berth. I’m thankful for the medical care and support provided to our two crew members aboard at the time, and the outpouring of support from throughout the Leeuwin community – asking how can they help.
I feel the shock that each and everyone of us go through, seeing a vessel we believe in, live aboard, make friends on, be a part of reduced to a state that is familiar, but barely recognizable. The masts, spars and rigging have all been significantly damaged, with the masts all having fallen most of the way to deck, still under tension. On Saturday, surveyors and I were able to access the vessel and inspect the interior of the vessel, it appears the vessel’s watertight integrity has been maintained. We have closed underwater valves and watertight doors, and the ship appears for the time being safe in its position alongside B Berth.
We are continuing to monitor our drafts and mooring lines to ensure the safety of the vessel, and attention now draws toward the task of derigging the vessel to make it safe for access and to then determine the full extent of the damage. I must stress that this is a high risk / low frequency event (look it up, it’s good watching). Our priority is to avoid injury to workers and further damage to the vessel.
I am overwhelmed by the eagerness of volunteers old and new to support the vessel in any way they can help. Please continue to reach out to our office – we may not respond immediately but we are listening. In time, we will get the vessel ready to sail once more. I can’t tell you when or how long that will take, this early after the incident, but know that when the time comes the whole Leeuwin family will be instrumental in our return to sail, and I’ll be with you and the ship every step of the way.
Yours in service,
James Rakich
Leading Master, STS Leeuwin II
