Lauren-Hansen

On Apr 11, 2018, the "Lauren Hansen" got stuck off the coast of a Tiwi Island for more than 12 hours. She was travelling from Darwin to Elcho Island when the autopilot was believed to have malfunctioned. The ship then began an uncontrolled turn and became grounded on a shoal off the coast of Melville Island about 2.30 a.m. It remained stuck until about 2.40 p.m, when it was lifted by the rising tide. The ship then returned to Darwin for an inspection of the ship's hull. No injuries, water ingress or pollution was reported as a result of the grounding. However, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau has opened an investigation, which is due to be completed by the end of the year. All parties involved will be interviewed as part of the investigation.