The Atlantic Eagle’s steering was damaged when it hit an object around midday on Tuesday.

It is believed to have drifted onto Maud’s Reef.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority was monitoring the ship at anchor off Bald Head yesterday.

A spokesperson said there was no pollution as a result of the damage but contingencies were in place in case anything developed.

The Atlantic Eagle had loaded about 20,000 tonnes of canola into two holds in Albany and was headed for Kwinana to top off its cargo.

A sea-going tug from Fremantle was expected off Albany early today. It was unknown whether the ship would return to Albany port or go to Fremantle.