The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has successfully concluded a 24‑day response operation to support a vessel in distress in the Coral Sea, Queensland, preventing risk to the Great Barrier Reef, the marine environment and seafarers.
On 1 February 2026, AMSA received reports that Liberian‑flagged Swift Hangzhou was experiencing engine failure. AMSA immediately initiated response arrangements to coordinate a safe and effective outcome lasting over three weeks due to the complexity of the incident.
During the 24-day response, AMSA deployed multiple tugs to prevent the vessel drifting into sensitive areas of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding marine park. AMSA also dispatched a Maritime Casualty Officer to board the vessel, inspect the engine failure, and provide expert, on‑the‑ground advice to both the captain and AMSA.
AMSA maintained round the clock monitoring of the vessel’s position and prevailing weather conditions to prevent risk to safety and marine environment. The response was coordinated closely with Queensland authorities, including Maritime Safety Queensland and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park agencies.
Crew welfare remained a priority throughout the operation, with AMSA conducting daily checks with the vessel’s captain to ensure adequate provisions and crew support.
As of 24 February 2026, Swift Hangzhou is safely at anchorage in Gladstone, Queensland. AMSA has now detained the vessel for seaworthiness.
As Australia's national maritime safety regulator and coordinator for maritime emergencies, AMSA is committed to vessel safety, crew welfare and the protection of Australia’s marine environment.
Alex Barrell, AMSA Executive Director Response, has praised the efforts in achieving the outcome.
“This incident is a reminder that the unexpected in maritime work can happen at any point in a vessel’s voyage.”
“In the case of the Swift Hangzhou’s engine failure, AMSA’s approach in managing the incident prevented risk to vessel, crew and marine environment.”
“AMSA’s response was also informed by our stakeholders, the vessel captain and company who engaged with us.”
“I commend everyone involved in achieving this outcome, particularly AMSA staff who worked tirelessly 24/7 to keep communication, responsiveness and planning going.”
“AMSA’s vision is safe and clean seas, saving lives and this is what our people do, day in, day out, with a sense of pride and commitment.”
AMSA’s incident response arrangements bring together specialist personnel trained to manage maritime incidents and coordinate with internal teams, external agencies, and the vessel’s captain and company.
More information on AMSA’s role in maritime emergencies response can be found here: Maritime casualty response | Australian Maritime Safety Authority
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