Leeuwin II Tall Ship Triumphantly Returns to Sea After 16-Month Restoration
Australia's biggest sail-training tall ship and one of Fremantle's most cherished maritime icons, the STS Leeuwin II, is fully restored and preparing to set sail once again this Sunday. The vessel has undergone a comprehensive sixteen-month repair project following a catastrophic collision with a container ship in August 2024.
Catastrophic Damage and Community-Led Recovery
The Leeuwin suffered severe structural damage when it was struck by the Singapore-flagged Maersk Shekou container ship at Fremantle Port on August 30, 2024. The incident occurred during heavy squall conditions as the container vessel was navigating into port. An official investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau determined that the Maersk Shekou's bridge team failed to adequately monitor the ship's turn and position. Additionally, the secondary pilot was distracted by a non-essential phone call as the ship entered a critical navigation area.
Two crew members aboard the Leeuwin sustained minor injuries during the collision and required hospital treatment. The damage assessment revealed extensive harm to the tall ship's rigging and structural components, necessitating a complete restoration effort.
Volunteer Power and Meticulous Restoration
Captain James Rakich spearheaded the ambitious repair project, coordinating a dedicated team of volunteers and contractors who contributed countless hours to returning the vessel to seaworthy condition. "We had a core of about 10 to 20 people who were regularly attending, and the wider volunteer family was maybe 60 to 70 people, if I'm being conservative," Rakich explained. "We've had youth work experience on board, volunteers who came for one or two days, and others who dedicated one or two days a week for the entire project duration."
The restoration involved:
- Establishing a dedicated workshop in North Fremantle for inspection and testing
- Conducting third-party and internal testing for all rigging components
- Salvaging usable parts while remaking those destroyed in the incident
- Coordinating local contractors with strong historical ties to the vessel
"It was a huge amount of navigating all the different parts we would need to replace, and also mobilising volunteers and contractors to make all of that happen," Rakich noted. "This was a local project. Whether people were part of the contractor base or the volunteer base, everyone pulled together to make this happen."
Successful Test Sails and Future Voyages
The restoration reached a significant milestone this week with successful test sails on Monday and Tuesday, marking the first time the Leeuwin raised her sails in more than five hundred days. Approximately thirty crew members participated in these crucial trials, including twenty-five volunteers and five permanent crew members.
"In one way it was underwhelming, because it went pretty swimmingly," Rakich commented about the test sails. "But that's what you're trying to do when you undertake a massive project like this. Everyone is so thrilled to see the ship back in the position that it is."
The vessel is now prepared for its official return to service with youth training voyages planned in the coming weeks. These voyages represent the continuation of the Leeuwin's vital role in providing maritime education and personal development opportunities for young West Australians.
Community Recognition and Emotional Significance
Captain Rakich's extraordinary leadership during the restoration project earned him the Fremantle Community Citizen of the Year award for 2026, an honor he shares with one other recipient. "There is an element of feeling a bit strange about it because everyone put in the work," he acknowledged. "But it is gratifying to get that recognition."
Rakich emphasized the profound emotional connection many community members have with the historic vessel. "I know this ship means a lot to a lot of people," he reflected. "There are people who say this ship saved their lives in terms of what it gave them in youth and opportunities. To be able to give that back and be recognized for that is pretty humbling."
The multi-million dollar restoration project demonstrates the powerful community support for preserving Fremantle's maritime heritage. As the Leeuwin II returns to its rightful place on the water, it stands as a testament to collective determination and the enduring value of sail training experiences for future generations.
