ATSB Releases Preliminary Findings on RSV Nuyina Grounding

The report indicates that the ship's navigational echo sounders were intentionally turned off to prevent acoustic interference with the survey equipment. Consequently, depth information from the multi-beam system was displayed on a dedicated monitor but was not integrated into the ship's main navigation system. This setup led to a lack of depth alarms and contributed to the vessel briefly grounding, causing damage to its retractable drop keel and mounted instruments. Fortunately, the hull sustained only minor scratches and paint damage, and there were no injuries among the 122 personnel on board.

Following the incident, RSV Nuyina continued its scheduled operations, including resupply missions to Davis Station in Antarctica, before returning to Hobart. The ATSB's final report will provide comprehensive analysis and findings upon the conclusion of the investigation.