This incident abstract is predicated on an investigation report highlighting a dragging anchor occasion involving a normal cargo vessel that led to collisions with two different close by vessels. The report examines the sequence of occasions, contributing elements, and security classes to assist forestall comparable occurrences.
What Occurred
A normal cargo vessel in ballast situation was en path to an anchorage for bunkering, working beneath a Situation of Class (CoC) that required its primary engine to stay on standby whereas at anchor because of the lack of its port anchor in earlier heavy climate. On arrival, deteriorating climate led to the cancellation of the deliberate bunkering, and the vessel was instructed by Vessel Site visitors Companies (VTS) to proceed to a different anchorage. Earlier than departing, the grasp famous that the ship had already dragged anchor.
On the new anchorage, the pilot suggested the grasp to stay vigilant and maintain the engine on standby. Shortly after the pilot disembarked, the grasp stopped the engine and delegated anchor watch to the second officer with out offering detailed directions on climate monitoring. In the course of the second officer’s watch, the vessel started dragging anchor in direction of a close-by analysis vessel. The motion went unnoticed for a number of minutes. As soon as detected, efforts to start out the engine and keep away from collision had been delayed, and regardless of the usage of the bow thruster, the vessel’s stern collided with the bow of the analysis vessel.
Each vessels grew to become entangled because of the anchor chain and, beneath wind and tidal affect, drifted in direction of one other anchored vessel. Makes an attempt to disengage had been unsuccessful, leading to a second collision between the final cargo vessel and the third vessel. All three boats sustained structural injury, however no air pollution or accidents occurred.
Why It Occurred
The incident occurred on account of a mix of operational, procedural, and environmental elements. The bridge anchor watch handover was incomplete, missing important particulars on place‑monitoring intervals and the necessity to observe altering climate and tidal circumstances. This, mixed with the second officer specializing in administrative duties as a substitute of steady place checks, led to a delayed detection of the anchor dragging. The grasp’s choice to cease the principle engine, regardless of a Situation of Class requiring it to stay on standby, considerably elevated response time as soon as motion was detected.
Established anchoring procedures, corresponding to having the anchor get together prepared, deploying further cable, and promptly notifying close by vessels or VTS, weren’t adopted. Communication lapses additional compounded the issue, stopping different ships from taking early precautionary measures. Inconsistent steerage inside the Security Administration System relating to primary engine readiness allowed various interpretations throughout the fleet, resulting in totally different operational selections beneath comparable circumstances. Hostile environmental elements, together with robust wind and tidal stream, contributed to the anchor dragging and made restoration operations tougher.
Actions Taken
Following the investigation, a number of corrective measures had been recognized. Enhanced watchkeeping practices had been advisable, together with extra frequent place monitoring and the usage of GPS anchor alarms to detect dragging on the earliest stage. Anchoring procedures ought to require instant reporting to the grasp, getting ready the principle engine immediately, and making certain enough bridge manning, together with a helmsperson and lookout when needed.
The Security Administration System needs to be up to date at any time when a Situation of Class or different momentary operational restriction is imposed, offering unambiguous steerage on engine readiness and crew tasks. Coaching applications ought to place better emphasis on threat evaluation, communication protocols, and standardised operational responses to make sure constant practices throughout the fleet, significantly when working in congested anchorages and antagonistic circumstances.
Classes Realized
Preserve primary engine readiness when required by class circumstances or antagonistic climate forecasts.
Guarantee clear and full watch handovers, together with position-monitoring frequency and environmental situation consciousness.
Implement standardised anchoring procedures, together with instant reporting, anchor get together readiness, and informing close by vessels.
Use GPS anchor alarms and conduct common place checks to detect dragging early.
Strengthen firm SMS to make clear engine readiness and operational response in antagonistic circumstances.
Emphasise coaching on threat evaluation, communication, and emergency preparedness to make sure constant fleet-wide practices.
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Supply: BRITANNIA P&I CLUB
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