ATSB Interim Report: Departure of Four Vessels During Storm

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published an interim report on the incident involving the departure of four vessels during a storm at the Port of Brisbane last year.

On November 24, 2025, hot and humid weather conditions were observed in southeast Queensland. These conditions, which persisted for much of the month, contributed to the development of thunderstorms, and several significant storms had already affected the region in the preceding days. The Bureau of Meteorology issued a marine forecast at 03:00 for Moreton Bay, again warning of the possibility of thunderstorms throughout the day.

At 09:30, an incoming car carrier was preparing for the pilot's departure for transit through Moreton Bay, following an oil tanker that had already taken on a pilot earlier that morning. A gas tanker was anchored, awaiting entry into the port, while several container ships were at the docks conducting normal cargo operations, including the removal of hatch covers. A timber carrier was also moored at the nearest berth.

At 09:45, the regional port master received a report of severe weather conditions, warning of potentially "very dangerous" thunderstorms with destructive winds and giant hail expected later that day in southeast Queensland. A further update at 10:22 indicated that severe thunderstorms were possible or likely throughout the day, including in the western suburbs of Brisbane. These warnings were relayed to the vessel traffic service, which instructed vessels at the container berths to take additional mooring precautions.

At 10:45, the incoming car carrier took on the pilot at the boarding location. The pilot noted forecasted winds of up to 40 knots around 14:00, coinciding with the expected arrival time, and requested an additional tug for assistance with mooring. These tugs were expected to be available after assisting the preceding vessel.

Around 11:00, after discussions with the vessel's captain and the vessel traffic service, the pilot expressed concerns that the limited availability of tugs could leave the vessel without assistance in the narrow channel. A request for tug support was made, but only two tugs were available, as the third had not yet been crewed. The vessel's arrival was delayed, and its speed was adjusted for a later arrival time.

At 12:43, the Bureau of Meteorology issued the first in a series of warnings for severe thunderstorms, reporting storms developing to the south and moving northeast towards the region. By the start of the day, updated warnings indicated that thunderstorms were intensifying and approaching the port area.

At 14:10, the preceding tanker completed mooring and confirmed that the tugs would soon be freed up. The incoming vessel increased its speed and soon thereafter began its approach. Meanwhile, another gas tanker preparing to depart from the anchorage reported readiness to weigh anchor in anticipation of its transit.

At 14:27, a severe thunderstorm warning identified several "very dangerous" storms with potential giant hail, destructive winds, and heavy rain, with forecasted impacts for the port area later that day. A subsequent update confirmed that the thunderstorms were moving directly towards the port.

The warning was relayed to all vessels via the vessel traffic service. In response, the departing gas tanker requested additional tug assistance but then delayed its departure due to rapidly increasing wind speeds exceeding 30 knots.

At the same time, cargo operations on several container ships were suspended, and stevedores were stood down as conditions worsened.