Two Ships Break Down Off Australia

Two ships have broken down in Australian waters on Wednesday, with the larger of the two being buffeted by treacherous conditions in Bass Strait. The 44,000 deadweight ton container ship Maersk Tacoma lost power in heavy seas in Bass Strait and a tow vessel was on its way. "The Maersk Tacoma is drifting in Bass Strait in atrocious weather," a spokesman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said. The ship was about 30 km (19 miles) southeast of Wilson's Promontory in Victoria state and drifting towards the Kent group of islands in 55 knot winds and three to four meter seas, the spokesman said. The tow vessel would reach the ship later on Wednesday, he said. An official with Maersk Australia said the stricken vessel was carrying general container cargo. The 3,560 ton bulk carrier ANL Purpose, which broke down on Monday, was drifting 466 km northeast of the Queensland coastal city of Mackay, the Maritime Safety Authority official said. ANL officials were unable to immediately give information on cargo being carried by the vessel. - (Reuters)