BREAKING BAD

Posted on 01/15/2016 | About Melbourne, Australia

The Spirit of Tasmania, which ferries people between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania broke free from its mooring during a severe thunderstorm Wednesday. People reported hearing a loud crack, as the ship collided with the pier and then drifted toward the shore.

The ship was pushed back into place by the docks by a team of tugboats. Damage was caused to the vehicle ramp, so with vehicles unable to enter or leave the ship, passengers were stranded on the vessel overnight. An engineering assessment was to be performed the following day. TT Line spokesman Nicolas Turner said all passengers and crew are safe, but it's not clear when ferry services between the mainland and Tasmania will resume. “The vessel will not sail to Devonport tonight. Passengers can stay on board overnight and are being offered complimentary food and refreshments,” he said in a statement.

“Once that damage has been assessed a decision will be made as to whether the vessel will sail out of Devonport,” said Turner.