On November 3rd, 2020, the Barkly Pearl was initially spotted travelling through Australia's northern waters with a wide hole in its hull.

An intervention direction was given by AMSA to instruct the vessel to the nearest safe harbor at Geraldton, citing concerns about the vessel's structural integrity, the possible danger of pollution to the marine environment and the immediate risk to the safety of seafarers.

AMSA ship inspectors have collaborated with vessel owners and operators to develop an appropriate repair solution for the past two months, and yesterday, 7 January 2021, the Barkly Pearl was loaded onto the semi-submersible Heavy Load Carrier MV Falcon to safely depart from Australian waters.

Under the Navigation Act 2012, before it could depart Australian waters, the Barkly Pearl was issued with a denial of access path notice.

Allan Schwartz, General Manager of Operations of AMSA, said this implies that the Barkly Pearl is forbidden from entering or using an Australian port for 24 months.

“The Australian community expects that any vessel operating or travelling through our waters is seaworthy. Consequently, when vessels are found to be so poorly maintained, AMSA will not hesitate to use the suite of powers available to it. The owners and operators of the Barkly Pearl were negligent in their maintenance of the vessel, put the lives of the seafarers on board at risk and posed an immediate threat to Australia’s marine environment," Allan Schwartz stated.

Maritime Business World