Spirit of Tasmania IV’s steering system fails at sea

Spirit of Tasmania IV aborted its approach to Port Phillip Bay on 5 November after the primary steering system failed during the crossing from Devonport. The helm went unresponsive when the crew tried to steer manually. Backup steering was engaged and the ship diverted to Geelong, arriving about four hours behind schedule with a tug alongside.

It was the ferry's fifth official sailing since rejoining the Bass Strait route. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened an investigation and expanded it to cover a separate incident from 24 October, when sister ship Spirit of Tasmania V experienced autopilot trouble during a trial voyage and briefly went outside the shipping channel.

TT-Line says the ships carry redundant steering systems and is cooperating with investigators. No cause has been identified yet.

Mechanical failures have caused serious disruptions to ferry services elsewhere this season: more than 70 passengers were left adrift after engine failure disabled a Solomon Islands ferry last month.