Iron Baron

The "Iron Baron" was a 37,557 dwt bulk carrier built in 1985 and chartered by BHP. On 10 July 1995 it was nearing the end of a voyage transporting 24,000 tonnes of manganese ore from Groote Eylandt via Port Kembla to the port of Launceston in northern Tasmania, Australia. Weather conditions at the time were north-westerly 37-46 kph (20-25 knot) winds and two-metre seas. It grounded on Hebe Reef as it approached the mouth of the Tamar River and began leaking bunker fuel oil. The crew was safely evacuated. [http://www.amsa.gov.au/Marine_Environment_Protection/Major_oil_spills_in_australia/Iron_Baron/index.asp Australian Maritime Safety Authority – Major Oil Spills in Australia: Iron Baron, Hebe Reef, Tasmania, 10 July 1995] ]

On 16 July the "Iron Baron" was refloated and moved to an offshore anchorage. Underwater inspections confirmed that it had incurred major structural damage and was continuing to deteriorate. With further bad weather predicted, it was decided by BHP to dump the ship. It was towed to an approved disposal site 85 km east of Flinders Island where it sank on 30 July.

Oil spill

An estimated 300 tonnes of oil was spilled from the vessel in the course of its grounding, refloating and towing to the disposal ground. Several beaches and islands in north-eastern Tasmania were affected and a major clean-up and wildlife rescue effort was undertaken. Little Penguins were especially badly affected, with an estimated 2000-6000 killed at Ninth Island alone.Brothers, Nigel; Pemberton, David; Pryor, Helen; & Halley, Vanessa. (2001). "Tasmania’s Offshore Islands: seabirds and other natural features". Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery: Hobart. ISBN 0-7246-4816-X]

References

External links

* [http://www.environment.tas.gov.au/em_eppps_iron_baron_oil_spill_environmental_impacts_report.html Department of the Environment, Parks, Heritage and Arts, Tasmania: Iron Baron Oil Spill Environmental Impacts Report - Executive Summary]