Last updated on July 26th, 2021 at 07:59 am
A tanker was berthed with port side alongside, with all lines running ashore, except for the headlines, which were secured to a mooring buoy. Cargo discharge operations were begun, but the weather conditions were not very favorable. The wind was blowing 22-27 knots, with some stronger gusts.
The cargo operation was not stopped or suspended even though the countersigned ship/shore checklist indicated the following operational weather limitations:
Wind 25 knots: Stop cargo operation.
Wind 35 knots: Disconnect cargo arms.
Wind 40 knots: Vessel to vacate berth.
By 0118 LT, discharging was completed and shore staff disconnected the cargo hose within 15 minutes. Wind strength had increased further and local pilots had rescheduled the vessel’s departure.
At 0236 LT, a strong gust of 65+ knots caused the forward mooring buoy chain to fail. The bow started to swing sharply to starboard, pushed by the wind, and shortly other lines began to fail. Soon, the vessel was connected to the shore only by the aft stern lines.
The Master quickly activated the general alarm. Ten minutes later, the main engine was ready but pilots and tugs were not available. The stern lines were cut and the vessel was clear of the berth. The vessel was successfully turned on to a course of about 275 degrees, while the Master was in radio contact with the pilots.
Due to the strong wind, and hindered by the mooring buoy still connected to the vessel’s forward lines, the vessel lost steerage, running aground in shallow water while still in the port.
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