REPAIRS to the STS Leeuwin have begun with the ship de-rigged a month after a container ship crashed into it. 

The Leeuwin Foundation says all damaged rigging, masts, and spars have been removed safely. 

The repair crew are aiming to recover “as much as possible” from the damaged ship, moving the debris to a secure area in the Fremantle Port where they will be assessed. 

Foundation CEO Lawson Dixon says it is “too early” to say how long it will take to get the Leeuwin sailing again. 

• Leeuwin Foundation CEO Lawson Dixon and the de-rigged ship behind.

“Until all damage is assessed, it is impossible to know the nature and extent of repairs and the funds and resources required to complete the repairs,” Mr Dixon said. 

Funding for the Leeuwin’s repair has been raised by the Friends of the Leeuwin group through the Phoenix Fund, which Mr Dixon says “demonstrates the passion” that Western Australians hold for the iconic ship. 

“This fundraising effort is separate to the Leeuwin’s existing donations fund, which has operated for many years and supports the ongoing operations of the vessel and its programs,” Mr Dixon said. 

“We are very grateful to have this support, which makes a material difference.”

Mining magnate Andrew Forrest’s charity Minderoo provided $3.5 million to save the Foundation from administration earlier this year, has also been providing additional assistance to the ship’s restoration. 

According to Mr Dixon, this has included work health and safety assistance and counselling to Leeuwin crew members. 

Mr Forrest says the incident has been “heartbreaking” and has stressed the importance of the volunteer effort to fundraise and restore the Leeuwin. 

“Along with the support of the entire WA community, [volunteers] are the lifeblood of the Leeuwin,” Mr Forrest said. 

“It will be community support that ultimately sees the Leeuwin sail again.”

by KATHERINE KRAAYVANGER