A famous tall ship hit by a container vessel trying to berth at Fremantle port has avoided hull damage but suffered catastrophic harm to its rigging and masts.
Two sailors who were injured while aboard Australia’s largest sail-training tall ship Leeuwin when it was struck on Friday have since been released from hospital.
The 332m Maersk Shekou container vessel was attempting to berth in the harbour about 6am when it hit the three-masted 1850s-style tall ship, Fremantle Ports says.
Leeuwin Ocean Adventure Foundation chair and former South Australian premier Jay Weatherill said on Saturday the captain was able to board the ship and survey the damage.
"Whilst it is too early to determine fully the extent of the damage, it appeared the hull was intact but there was catastrophic damage to the rigging, masts, spars and equipment on deck," he said.
"This damage is consistent with a dismasting."
Mr Weatherill said the sailors were below deck when the ship hit with the sailing vessel and their injuries happened as they scrambled to safety.
The Leeuwin would not sail for some time, he said.
Maersk Shekou, which was being guided to its berth by two harbour pilots and four tug boats, also struck the portside Western Australian Maritime Museum and an adjacent pier, causing damage to both.
The container ship's bow struck the Leeuwin and the vessel's stern hit a berth and the museum roof, the port authority said.
Chief executive Jodie Ransom previously said it was a rare occurrence for the port and it was not clear what happened.
Fremantle Ports, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau are investigating the incident.
