Australian Maritime Safety Authority' Emergency Towing Vessel, 'ETV Pacific Responder' rescued the disabled 'ID Integrity'
AMSA’s Thursday Island officer Adrian Davidson was on board ETV Pacific Responder when it was tasked to assist in the stabilisation and subsequent tow of the ID Integrity after it suffered engine failure in the Coral Sea on Friday 18 May.
The Pacific Responder is the only designated emergency towage vessel is Australia and is located in the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait region. When it is not required for emergency response, it is used for training and survey purposes.
After receiving the notification from RCC Australia, the Pacific Responder began its journey to the Coral Sea where the Integrity was drifting towards Shark Reef. The crew spent the journey preparing the necessary lines and deck hardware required for such a rescue.
Overnight conditions were rough and upon entering the Coral Sea, the Pacific Responder was met by 3.5m swells and 2m seas. The PT Kotor, a smaller tug from Cairns, was alongside the Integrity and was reducing its drift. However, due its size and equipment, it was incapable of taking the 27, 000 tonne Integrity under tow, so the Pacific Responder moved in.
Just over 48 hours after first receiving the task notification, the Pacific Responder was towing the Integrity to the Port of Cairns where it is now anchored offshore undergoing repairs.
Adrian is thrilled to have had the opportunity to watch this type of operation from the bridge of the ETV Pacific Responder.