![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2024\/01\/venti-views-1cqIcrWF_24061_tn-580x380.jpg?_t=1705449320\")
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The boat was destroyed on the reef overnight, and the debris was recovered the next day.<\/p>\n
Chief Investigator Mark Smallwood said the investigation was ongoing.<\/p>\n
“As it progresses, the investigation will consider the operation of Corsair, including bridge resource management, and will further examine relevant safety management systems and vessel data recordings,” Mr Smallwood said.<\/p>\n
Port Phillip Sea Pilots, operating since 1839, offers a piloting service steering ships between the heads and bay channels to the ports of Geelong and Melbourne.<\/p>\n
Mr Smallwood said the natural environment was challenging.<\/p>\n
“Point Lonsdale Reef, an outcrop of flat-topped rocks, extends up to about 540m south-east of Point Lonsdale, and sits west of a defined small craft channel \u2013 which itself is to the west of a number of channels suitable for larger ships.<\/p>\n
“The extent of the reef’s exposure and its visibility varies with tide and sea conditions.”<\/p>\n
To date, the transport safety investigation has included interviews with relevant personnel, vessel inspections, the examination of pilot launch track recordings from the accident and previous transits of the Heads, and a review of relevant communications.<\/p>\n
A final report will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.<\/p>\n
“Relevant parties will be notified immediately, should the investigation identify a critical safety issue before the final report is complete.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
VICTORIA’S Office of the Chief Investigator of Transport Safety, has released a preliminary report on a transport safety investigation into the grounding and wreck of a Port Phillip Sea Pilots boat. The preliminary report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau details that the Corsair was returning after collecting a pilot from onboard Rio Grande, an […]<\/p>\n