At the time of writing, 12 January, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is responding to a general cargo vessel, experiencing mechanical issues near the Great Barrier Reef.

Antigua and Barbuda-flagged general cargo vessel, Thor Commander, reported on 11 January she had damaged her main engine. The vessel is drifting approximately 31km north-east of Perkins Reef in the Swains Reefs group, about 379km north-east of Gladstone.

AMSA has tasked a tug from Gladstone to respond and two merchant vessels are nearby to assist after responding to a broadcast to shipping in the area. The tug is expected to arrive on Tuesday morning (13 January).