5 October 2006

This morning, Port Philip Bay was a buzz with activity as the Spirit of Tasmania participated in a spectacular large-scale marine evacuation drill.

Over 200 crew participated in the training exercise and many were flown into Melbourne from other Australian ports.

Bass Strait came alive as the crew disembarked the ship via an enormous emergency slide, alighted waiting boats and were safely ferried to the shore.

Passers-by were intrigued by the exercise and many stopped along the foreshore to watch, or called the local radio stations and enquired about the hub of activity including police vessels darting about in the bay.

Mr Peter Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, TT-Line Company Pty Ltd said the drill was one of the biggest to date and was vital in training all the ship’s crew and testing of its equipment.

“The results of the exercise were very pleasing and demonstrates TT-Line’s ongoing commitment to comply with international standards,” said Mr Simmons.

“The Spirit of Tasmania I and II are world renowned for providing passengers with a unique, affordable and enjoyable sailing experience between Melbourne and Tasmania,” he said.

To experience one of Australia’s great journeys call Spirit of Tasmania on 13 2010.

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For further information contact:

Carolyn Neill

Corporate Communications Coordinator

Tel: 03 9206 6220 / 0438 393 898

cjn@spiritoftasmania.com.au