A super fast ropax ferry Spirit of Tasmania II suffered damage to its internal loading ramp after it crashed into a pier in the port of Melbourne, Australia, on January 13.

The cause of the accident was the extreme wind which forced the vessel’s mooring lines to break, leaving the ferry adrift.

With the assistance of tugs, the Spirit of Tasmania II was safely moored by 8 pm local time.

According to the owner of the ferry, the Devonport-based TT-Line Company Pty. Ltd., the full extent of the damage will be assessed today.

Due to the damage, the Spirit of Tasmania II missed its scheduled sail for Davenport on Wednesday night, and the company informed that other sailings have been amended.

The owner added that the 1998-built vessel will not sail until further notice.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau has commenced an investigation into the accident.

(From: World Maritime News)