In strong winds and torrential rain last Friday afternoon, bulk carrier S’Hail Lusail took a detour from its usual route to Newcastle and headed straight for Peregian Beach.
Residents, who are accustomed to seeing cargo vessels pass along the horizon, were surprised to see the ship heading for shore before coming to a dead stop.
According to the Vessel finder app, the coal and iron ore carrier stopped two nautical miles off the coast of Peregian Beach before changing direction and moving very slowly back out to sea.
The ship that sails under the flag of Qatar regularly docks at Newcastle and reported arriving in Newcastle just after 11pm on Friday 7 January.
But earlier on Friday Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) acting general manager Jim Huggett said MSQ and Queensland Water Police were aware of concerns raised by locals who saw a bulk carrier unusually close to shore.
“We have contacted the ship’s master who has confirmed the vessel has no defects and is still bound for Newcastle,“ he said.
“The Australian Maritime Safety Authority will monitor its movements through Australian territorial waters.“
