Statement on Leeuwin

The Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation would like to thank the public for their messages of support since the incident on Friday in which the STS Leeuwin II was damaged in a collision in Fremantle Harbour.

We are pleased to advise that our two crew members who were on board the Leeuwin at the time of the collision have been discharged from hospital and are recovering.

We would like to pay thanks to the first responders and hospital staff who treated our crew professionally and with compassion.  We request that our crew’s privacy continues to be observed as they recover.

This morning our Captain and surveyors boarded the vessel for the first time since the incident.

They secured watertight bulkheads, isolated valves and other key systems onboard to ensure the safety of the vessel.

Whilst it is too early to determine fully the extent of the damage, there was catastrophic damage to the rigging, masts, spars and equipment on deck. This damage is consistent with a dismasting.

We will now formulate a plan for derigging the vessel safely.

The Leeuwin appreciates that there is a strong interest in the future of the program and we are aware that the ship has touched the lives of many thousands of Western Australians. We will endeavour to keep everyone updated as we determine the next steps for our beloved Leeuwin.