Sea Swift’s Albatross Bay rescues crew from sinking vessel

Crew aboard Sea Swift’s Albatross Bay have been hailed as life-savers after rescuing crew from a sinking vessel last night while on route from Cairns to Horn Island. The Albatross Bay received an emergency call from the Joint Rescue Communications Centre (JRCC) just after 6pm local time that a nearby trawler vessel, the Santiego, was in distress and uncontactable. Following several unsuccessful attempts to contact the Santiego using VHF radio, a request was made for Sea Swift’s vessel to divert to the scene. Upon arrival at the Santiego, the Sea Swift crew made contact with the vessel and determined the ship was sinking and unsalvageable. The Albatross Bay’s rescue vessel was then deployed and approached the sinking vessel, with Santiego crews reporting that the main engine was underwater, the generator had failed and the batteries were flat, causing them to abandon ship. The crew aboard the Albatross Bay assisted all Santiego crew off the vessel and they boarded the Albatross Bay shortly after, complete with personal belongings and effects. All Santiego crew members were unhurt, calm, and responsive after being rescued. Once aboard the Sea Swift vessel, the trawler’s crew were fed and hydrated, and assessed for further needs. Arrangements were then made to transfer the crew safely ashore. Sea Swift Managing Director Chris Pearce said he was immensely proud of the Albatross Bay crew’s ability to pivot and assist others in such an emergency. “Our team’s swift action and expertise exemplify Sea Swift’s commitment to safety and service in Northern Australian waters,” he said. “Sea Swift is made up of expert marine, maritime and vessel professionals, and we are very proud of the life-saving actions of our team yesterday evening. “We have a commitment to remote areas of Northern Australia and to the people who rely on Sea Swift as the lifeblood of their community. “Our thoughts are with the crew of the Santiego having undergone such an ordeal, and are hugely relieved and pleased all crew members are safe.” Sea Swift is proud to service the people of Northern Australia and provide essential services to those living in remote and coastal communities, having done so since 1987. “As one of the largest shipping employers in the country, Sea Swift ensures all crew, staff and workers have the training and development to work as safely and reliably as possible,” added Mr Pearce. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift officially launches ‘game-changing’ vessel Newcastle Bay

Sea Swift, Northern Australia’s premier shipping company, today (17 October) officially launched its highly-anticipated vessel, the Newcastle Bay, in front of key stakeholders in Cairns. The Newcastle Bay promises to be a game-changer for remote coastal communities in Far North Queensland, providing crucial freight support for the transportation of essential and non-essential goods across the region. Guests including valued customers, local businesses, Sea Swift Board and staff, and government officials attended the official launch event, held at Wharf 7, Dutton St. The vessel, which recently arrived in Cairns after successful sea trials, marks a significant milestone in Sea Swift’s commitment to serving the unique needs of Northern Australia. Measuring just shy of 100 meters in length and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, the Newcastle Bay is poised to revolutionise Sea Swift’s freight capabilities. This purpose-built vessel will be deployed to meet schedules between Cairns and the Torres Strait, also playing a vital role in ensuring food and essential deliveries reach the OTSI region. In further exciting news, Sea Swift Chairman Steve Boulton revealed the Newcastle Bay will be operational earlier than expected, with service commencing later this month after final safety checks have been completed. “This is a very exciting day for not only everyone at Sea Swift, but communities across the region,” said Mr Boulton. “We’re investing in the future, and the Newcastle Bay will significantly increase our cargo capacity, especially during Northern Queensland’s wet season,” said Mr Boulton. “We are proud to be able to serve the communities that rely on us, and we believe this amazing new vessel will bring a positive change to their lives.” The official launch event marked the beginning of a new era for Sea Swift and its dedication to serving the unique and remote communities of Far North Queensland. “We enjoyed celebrating this milestone today with our valued customers and partners,” added Mr Boulton. Find out more about Newcastle Bay. Our Other Stories
Sea Swift welcomes the Newcastle Bay II: A game changer for Northern Australia shipping

Sea Swift, Northern Australia’s premier shipping company, is delighted to announce the imminent arrival of the Newcastle Bay II, a purpose-built cargo vessel which promises to be a game-changer for Far North Queensland remote communities. The Newcastle Bay II is set to arrive in Cairns in October, following successful sea trials in Indonesia which confirmed its readiness for service in Australia. The vessel is then expected to be in service in the weeks following her arrival in Cairns. The Newcastle Bay II will be deployed to meet schedules between Cairns, Horn Island, and Weipa, also playing a vital role in ensuring food and essential deliveries reach the Outer Torres Strait Islands. Sea Swift Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Freeman expressed his excitement at welcoming the Newcastle Bay II to the company’s fleet. “The arrival of the Newcastle Bay II is a momentous occasion for Sea Swift and the entire Northern Australia community,” Mr Freeman said. “This vessel represents our commitment to improving cargo capacity and connectivity across the region.” To celebrate this achievement, Sea Swift will host a grand launch event attended by stakeholders, valued customers, Sea Swift crew, and local government officials, with details to be revealed soon. Measuring just shy of 100 meters in length and capable of reaching a maximum speed of 16 knots, the Newcastle Bay II is poised to revolutionise Sea Swift’s capabilities. “This vessel is a game-changer for our communities,” said Mr Freeman. “It will significantly increase our cargo capacity, especially during Northern Queensland’s wet season, and also offer passenger accommodation, further enhancing our services.” Mr Freeman said the journey to launching the Newcastle Bay II has not been without its challenges. “We’ve encountered hurdles, including the impact of COVID-19, labour and skills shortages, and adverse weather conditions. “However, these challenges have only fuelled our determination to see this project through. “The Newcastle Bay II’s impending arrival is a testament to Sea Swift’s resilience and unwavering commitment to serving the needs of Northern Australia. “In fact, it’s more than just a vessel – it represents Sea Swift’s identity and is a critical addition to our business.” Our Other Stories
Sea Swift to suspend mothershipping services

Northern Australia’s largest shipping company Sea Swift has announced it will suspend its mothershipping operations ahead of the upcoming prawn season. “Sea Swift has been an industry participant in mothershipping since 1987, however with Queensland’s prawn fishing industry facing multiple industry challenges over the past few years, Sea Swift has confirmed the sector is not currently commercially viable to service,” said Sea Swift Chief Executive Officer Mr Dwayne Freeman. “A recent contributor to industry change has seen a major mothershipping customer modify its operating model and introduce its own vessel, and as a consequence the organisation has no further need for our services. “This change has had a significant impact on the overall commercial viability of our mothershipping service. We are continuing to work with the industry to identify any alternative options for servicing the upcoming prawn season. “Like most businesses, our costs have also escalated and supply chain delays have added operating constraints. “Our key priority continues to be servicing our core linehaul customers, particularly communities across the Cape, the Gulf and the Torres Strait.” Mr Freeman said that he had informed mothershipping customers and staff of the decision, with a reassurance to staff around job security. “I have assured all of our employees that there will be no forced job losses due to this action,” he said. Mr Freeman said Sea Swift was proud to continue to keep Northern Australia connected into the future. “I would like to thank all our hard-working employees, both past and present, as well as our valued mothershipping customers for their ongoing support,” he said. “We will continue to support Queensland’s export and fishery industries, and remain one of Northern Australia’s most dominant and longest service shipping companies.” Our Other Stories