THE master of the STS Leeuwin II says he has been “overwhelmed” by the Freo community’s eagerness to help repair the ship after it was damaged in a collision with a ship two weeks ago. 

In a letter penned to Leeuwin Foundation volunteers, the ship’s leading master, James Rakich says he is “hopeful” to see the iconic Freo ship repaired and back sailing as soon as possible. 

“I feel the shock that each and every one of us go through, seeing a vessel we believe in, live aboard, make friends on, be a part of reduced to a state that is familiar, but barely recognisable,” Mr Rakich said. 

“The masts, spars and rigging have all been significantly damaged, with the masts all having fallen most of the way to deck, still under tension.”

• The Leeuwin’s masts were crumpled in the accident.

Watertight

Last week, the Herald reported that the Leeuwin’s watertight integrity was not compromised in the incident, which Mr Rakich confirmed. 

“We have closed underwater valves and watertight doors, and the ship appears for the time being safe in its position alongside B Berth,” he said. 

Photos released by the Leeuwin Foundation show splintered wood and sails crumpled under the damaged rigging, with one photograph depicting what appears to be a mast completely folded. 

Mr Rakich says he is unsure “when or how long” it will take to repair the ship, but the crew are in the process of derigging the ship in preparation for her repair. 

• She’s looking a little forlorn at the moment, but the Leeuwin foundation has confirmed the Leeuwin isn’t leaking and after repairs will be back sailing. Photos courtesy Leeuwin Foundation

“We are continuing to monitor our drafts and mooring lines to ensure the safety of the vessel, and attention now draws toward the task of derigging the vessel to make it safe for access and to then determine the full extent of the damage,” he said. 

“I must stress that this is a high-risk, low frequency event… our priority is to avoid injury to workers and further damage to the vessel.

“In time, we will get the vessel ready to sail once more.”

The container ship Maersk Shekou, which collided with the Leeuwin on August 30, has left Fremantle and is en route to Malaysia at the time the Chook went to print. 

Readers who wish to donate to the Leeuwin’s repair can do so at the Phoenix Fund website.

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER