Ferry turns back after passenger disturbance

A Spirit of Tasmania sailing was abruptly halted on Tuesday night after a disturbance involving a lone passenger forced the vessel to return to Devonport shortly after departure.

The ferry had been scheduled to depart at 6.45pm bound for the Port of Geelong, but travelled only about 50 metres before the captain aborted the sailing.

Tasmania Police said the disruption involved a single male passenger.

“The ship’s captain aborted the scheduled 6.45pm sailing out of Devonport after the Spirit had travelled only about 50m.”

“The man was isolated in an area aboard the Spirit while the ship turned back.”

The vessel docked again about 7.30pm, where it was met by police officers.

“A Tasmanian man, aged in his mid-30s, was safely taken into custody.”

Police confirmed some property damage had been reported on board, but there were no injuries to passengers or crew.

“There are no reports of any passengers being injured.”

After the man was removed, the Spirit of Tasmania later resumed its journey to Geelong.

Tasmania Police have confirmed the incident remains under investigation.

The disturbance capped off a significant few days for the ferry service. On Sunday night, 15 February, the Spirit assisted in the rescue of seven people, including two children, from a capsized boat in Corio Bay off Geelong.

Authorities have not released further details about Tuesday night’s incident.