The ATSB has commenced investigation for a incident which involved the propulsion failure of the bulk carrier, Basic Victory, close to the coast of New South Wales, north of Newcastle, on 30 July 2025.

At about 0800 local time on 30 July, Basic Victory was drifting about 20 miles off the Port of Newcastle while waiting to berth there, when its main engine failed. The ship drifted towards the coastline north of Newcastle and by about 1730 had closed to within 3 miles of the nearest land. At about this time, the ship’s master reported the propulsion failure to Newcastle vessel traffic service and requested permission to anchor. Shortly afterwards, however, the crew succeeded in restarting the main engine and the ship steamed clear of the coastline.

After the ship had berthed in Newcastle on 7 August, ATSB investigators attended to collect evidence, including interviewing the master and relevant crewmembers and obtained recorded data and documentary evidence. The investigation is continuing and the ATSB will collect further evidence into both the propulsion failure and emergency response activities on board the ship and ashore.

A final report will be published at the conclusion of the investigation. Should a critical safety issue be identified at any time during the investigation, the ATSB will immediately notify the operators of the ship and the port, and other relevant parties so that appropriate and timely safety action can be taken.

The investigation is expected to complete by March 2026.