Dawn Princess trying to leave Port Melbourne.

[ozziepost]

Just watching the Dawn on the Station pier web cam. Boy oh boy is she copping it with strong gusts of wind two tugs seem to be struggling to hold the ship against the pier.

 

When she finally gets under way I reckon she is going to be in for a bumpy trip.

 

 

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[megsie]

We're on the Diamond Princess, unable to proceed to our Melbourne berth because the Dawn is unable to leave. We are 21 n.miles off Melbourne and anchored in the bay. Gale force 11 now down to 10. Though at anchor we are not feeling any movement in our room. Enjoying the Diamond Princess very much.

[Kiwi Kruzer]

Just watching the Dawn on the Station pier web cam. Boy oh boy is she copping it with strong gusts of wind two tugs seem to be struggling to hold the ship against the pier.

 

When she finally gets under way I reckon she is going to be in for a bumpy trip.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

They should have fun going through the gap. Captain will have to put his foot down and make a run for it...:eek:

[Kiwi Kruzer]

If Dawn doesnt get under way soon Diamond passengers may miss out on their night in Melbourne or at least be very late docking..:eek:

[yatchet]

The wind is from the North west (starboard side) so holding the ship against the pier.

Winds are forecast to abate later this evening so maybe the captain is killing time before navigating the heads and entering Bass strait.

[LC1950]

Watching the Melboourne Ports webcam as I type. Nope, no tugs in sight and yep, it's blowing and blowing out there. Wonder if the "Spirit" will get away tonight.

 

With respect Kiwi Kruiser ... it's not "the gap" out of Port Phillip Bay, it's "the Heads". LOL and it's always a bit "up the mountain/down the mountain" going through there, even in calm weather. :cool:

[icat2000]

Currently on sun princess we were 3 hours late leaving white bay due to strong wind. Just left now.

[By The Bay]

It is underway now.;)

[cassamanda]

I have sailed on Port Philip many a time and know how those winds can come in. Just as likely to be a dead calm by midnight.

The heads have to be negotiated at slack water otherwise the rip is too strong.

Hugh

[Docker123]

What time is the Spirit supposed to leave? I wonder if that will be stuck as well.

[kuldalai]

Port Philip Heads are one of the trickiest port entries in the World and the Port Philip pilots bring each ship in through this narrow entrance . Over 150 years of private pilot service, no ship has ever foundered whilst in the hands of a pilot.

 

Some years ago a very courageous Captain of a well known cruise line thought he would enter Port Philip without a pilot, the vessel came to grief off Point Lonsdale. No doubt he doesnt work for that cruise line anymore , and faced court in Melbourne.

 

It is the huge volume of water rushing in and out through such a narrow entrance at each change of tide that makes Port Philip such a dangerous entrance to the un initiated.

[By The Bay]

Apologies for my earlier post, it is still at the pier. :eek:

[yatchet]

 

Some years ago a very courageous Captain of a well known cruise line thought he would enter Port Philip without a pilot, the vessel came to grief off Point Lonsdale. No doubt he doesnt work for that cruise line anymore , and faced court in Melbourne.

Yes and that ship will soon be part of the P&O Aus fleet.

[megsie]

On the Diamond, luckily we have had smooth seas and the pilot was able to easily access the ship. It was windy but slight seas until we got to here, then hit by swells and rough seas and wind over 60 knots according to Captain. He said it was the first time he has had to anchor in windy conditions over 60 knots. Just staying at anchor until windy conditions improve, which they are but slowly and until Dawn is able to leave.

[kiwipete]

It's 9.20pm Melbourne time and we're still here so I guess Diamond will miss out on an evening in Melbourne

[LC1950]

9.24PM and she's pulled away. It's taking 2 tugs (1 fwd 1 aft) to pull her away from the Pier. The Spirit is still there. It's due to go at 9PM but often pulls away by 8.30PM with all passengers and cargo, etc., onboard. Could be a bumpety thumpety ride.

[yatchet]

It's 9.20pm Melbourne time and we're still here so I guess Diamond will miss out on an evening in Melbourne

Have a nice trip home Pete.:)

Cheers T.

[kiwipete]

Thanks Trevor

We're under way!!! Hope the Tasman is kind to us!!!!!!!

[yatchet]

Thanks Trevor

We're under way!!! Hope the Tasman is kind to us!!!!!!!

 

Smooth sailing once through the heads.:)

I will be watching the webcam.

Edited December 16, 2014 by yatchet

[megsie]

Diamond Princess at last safely reversed into berth in Melbourne. Just as well we didn't buy tickets to Grease for tonight.