Milburn

Investigators are bound for Timaru's port following a collision between a cruise ship and a cement carrier, even as the cruise ship's owner refused to confirm details about the incident. When contacted on Monday, United States-based cruise ship company Seabourn refused to say if it would carry out an internal investigation into the incident. The Seabourn Encore collided with the Milburn Carrier II, causing damage to the hull of the cement carrier, after the ship broke its moorings on Sunday afternoon. Both the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) and Timaru's PrimePort have confirmed they will carry out investigations into the incident. On Monday evening, The TAIC said two investigators had completed interviews on board the cruise ship. Captain Martin Harper, the investigator in charge, said the ship's crew were cooperative and "the investigation team has come away with some useful information". http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/89336524/cruise-ship-collision-investigation-underway-details-sparse

The "Seabourn Encore" allided with the "Milburn Carrier II" in Timaru on Feb 12, 2107, at 3.15 p.m. The southerly wind increased up to 76km/h , causing four of the mooring lines to snap. The cruise ship went adrift and hit the starboard side of the other vessel with its port side stern. Pilot boats and tugs held the ship stable to minimise damage while they waited for the wind to subside. The cruise ship later could be secured alongside the wharf with mooring lines. Two tugs were keeping it in place and all remaining of on the whole 600 passengers and crew were heading back on board. Authorities have launched an investigation after the accident. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has started an inquiry. Two investigators were to travel from Wellington in the morning of Feb 13 to begin their investigations. No one was injured in the incident, but the cement carrier was damaged as well as the cruise ship. It was unclear whether it would be cleared to sail to Akaroa as scheduled in the evening. The wind was expected to ease off in night hours. Report with photos and video: http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/travel-troubles/89326844/cruise-ship-breaks-moorings-in-high-wind