A severe thunderstorm hit the Port of Brisbane last year, causing four ships to break away from their moorings. The storm, which occurred on November 24, 2025, was characterized by fast-moving winds and heavy rain. Three large container ships broke their moorings, while one subsequently grounded. The incident is currently under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
The port had received weather briefings indicating potential severe thunderstorms that afternoon and evening. However, operations proceeded as normal until a warning was issued at 2:07 pm, which resulted in all stevedores working on container ships stopping work and disembarking. The pilot of a gas tanker was also forced to abort their approach.
The storm's rapid increase in windspeed and direction caught the ships off guard, with gusts peaking at 71 knots - over 130 km/h. Data recorded by Maritime Safety Queensland showed that the wind had increased rapidly just prior to 3 pm, with a roughly 180-degree change in direction about 20 minutes later.
The incident highlights the need for effective communication and preparedness during severe weather events. Port authorities must ensure that all stakeholders are aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to mitigate them.
The ATSB's interim report summarizes the evidence gathered so far in the investigation, but does not include analysis or findings. The report outlines the order of events leading up to the incident and provides details on the ships involved.
The three container ships that broke their moorings were Volans, Wide India, and MSC Barbara. They were all loaded and unloading at their respective berths at the Fisherman Islands terminals when the storm hit. The car carrier Viking Passama was also affected, but it was able to keep under control by its attending tugs.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of weather forecasting and warning systems in preventing such incidents. The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe thunderstorm warnings for South East Queensland at 12:43 pm, which were updated several times throughout the afternoon.
The ATSB's investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it will be important to determine the root causes of the breakaways and identify ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and preparedness during severe weather events.
