The Antigua and Barbuda flagged 9,739-dwt Thor Commander (built 2011) reported on Sunday night that it had damaged its main engine.

The vessel was drifting north-east of Perkins Reef and north of Elusive Reef in the Swains Reefs group, about 379km north-east of Gladstone when it was disabled.

On Tuesday morning, a towline was established between the disabled vessel and the tug Smit Leopard from Gladstone.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said the Thor Commander is due to arrive in Gladstone later this week.

On Monday night a Cosco Bulk capesize vessel secured a towline to the disabled vessel to stop it from drifting.

The towlines between the Thor Commander and the 174,766-dwt Xinfa Hai (built 2004) were established with the assistance of Queensland Police vessel Lyle M Hoey.

The Xinfa Hai towed the vessel slowly in a north-easterly direction on Monday night ahead of the tug’s arrival in the area.

The Thor Commander is currently operated by Thorco Shipping and is owned by Germany’s Held Reederei.

source:www.tradewindsnews.com