Thousands of people lined Newcastle’s beaches in driving rain and gale-force winds as rescue helicopters attempt to retrieve the Filipino crew of a coal freighter which has run aground in heavy seas.

The MV ‘Pasha Bulker’, owned by Lauritzen Bulkers, had 22 crew members on board when it ran aground in wild surf off Nobbys Beach after getting into trouble near the extrance to Newcastle Harbour.

more pictures here and here

Brief specs
Vessel name: Pasha Bulker
Type/Class/Flag: Bulkcarrier/NK/Panama
Built: 2006, Sasebo Heavy Industries Co., Ltd
Call sign: 3EGK5
Dwat/Draft/Tpc: SUM SW 76741.0 mt on 14.22 m/Tpc 67.00
WIN SW 74750.0 mt on 13.93 m
TRO SW 78735.0 mt on 14.52 m
Speed and Consumption: Abt 14.50 knots on abt 36.50 mt IFO (380) LADEN
Abt 14.00 knots on abt 36.50 mt IFO (380) BALLAST
+ 0.20 mt MDO
In port when idle: 0.20 mt MDO / 3.00 mt IFO
In port when working: 0.20 mt MDO / 4.30 mt IFO
Loa/Beam: 225.00 / 32.20 m
GT/NT: International 40,042.00 / 25,259.00
Tank capacities: 2738 mt IFO / 97 mt MDO

Update:
- Pasha Bulker hull breached
- SVITZER Salvage has obtained the salvage contract on the grounded bulk carrier off Newcastle, Australia
- Pasha Bulker salvage team expects more rough conditions