Dragged anchor and grounded

A small tanker, anchored off the south coast of England, awaiting her turn to discharge cargo at a river berth. During a storm that passed three days later, the vessel dragged anchor and, despite the master's attempts to use the engine, was blown on to the lee shore and ran aground on shoals. The vessel sustained indentations to her hull and extensive damage to her rudder and steering gear, but fortunately there was no pollution and the vessel remained watertight.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) database shows that since 1992, there have been 21 accidents in United Kingdom territorial waters involving merchant vessels of over 500 gross tons dragging their anchor and subsequently grounding. Weather conditions contributed to 19 of these accidents, the anchoring position was relevant to 16, and in seven cases, the engines were not ready when needed.

Safety Lessons

The MAIB continues to see examples of vessels grounding, having dragged their anchors in heavy weather, because the masters, in general, have:

• Not planned the anchorage sufficiently;

• Not ensured that the anchor position is obtained on anchoring, and the bridge and safety swinging circles have been plotted;

• Not instigated an effective anchor watch which ensures the vessel's position is frequently and effectively checked;

• Not ensured main engine readiness is appropriate to the circumstances;

• Following warnings and forecasts of adverse weather, not reviewed their precautions and taken further steps as necessary;

• remained at anchor off lee shore or in the vicinity of hazards in conditions exceeding, or forecast to exceed, the limitations of their anchor equipment and their ability to get underway safely.

To prevent such accidents occurring in the future, owners and operators are strongly advised to review their safety management system (SMS) procedures for anchoring to ensure they address the above safety issues and specifically:

1.That masters have clear guidance on the capability of their vessel's anchoring system including the:

i. Holding power of the anchor in various bottom types;

ii. Strength of the anchor system components, including that of the windlass;

iii. Effect of windage and yaw in various loading conditions.

2.The hazards to personnel working on the forecastle or cable deck in adverse weather;

3.That although an anchorage might have been allocated by a harbour or VTS authority, the safety of the vessel and decision to sail remains the master's responsibility;

4..And, most importantly, that masters should not hesitate to get underway or to seek a more sheltered anchorage should the forecast or actual weather and sea conditions warrant it.

1. Answer the following questions

1.Name all types of ladders mentioned in the text.

2.Why did coxswain bring the launch close to the ladder lower platform?

3.What happened with the launch during transferring?

4.Why did the man fall into the sea?

5.What were other options of transferring people on board?

6.What should personnel wear during transfers?

7.What ladder is used when there is the possibility of swell?

8.Who had to supply personnel with life vests?

9.How baggage should not be handed to people?

10.How it should be hauled up?