Australia’s research icebreaker has scraped the ocean floor while mapping waters near a remote subantarctic island, forcing the crew to pause operations and check for damage.
The RSV Nuyina struck the seabed on Monday morning off Heard Island, about 4,100 kilometres south-west of Perth.
The 99 scientists and roughly 40 crew on board felt a vibration when the hull made contact during a seafloor survey. No one was injured.
“Expeditioners on board Nuyina felt a small vibration through the ship when the contact occurred,” an Australian Antarctic Division spokesperson said.
The vessel immediately moved into deeper water after the incident. Crew are now inspecting the hull and scientific equipment fitted below the waterline.
The ship’s operator Serco said initial checks suggest only surface-level damage to the $528 million vessel.
The company stressed the ship didn’t run aground or lose manoeuvrability.
All research work has been suspended while the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) works with the Antarctic Division to assess the situation.
The Nuyina departed Hobart in late September for a 52-day expedition. It had already delivered supplies to Casey Station before arriving at Heard Island last week.
Teams had planned to spend 10 days conducting wildlife surveys, testing for bird flu and studying how climate change is affecting the island’s retreating glaciers.
Once the inspection is complete, the ship is scheduled to resupply Davis Station before heading home.
