200754 - Grounded on foul sea bed
| Grounded on foul sea bed |
MARS Report 200754 |
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While berthing at a shipyard lay-by berth, the ship grounded on an uncharted foul sea bed, and remained with a list of 5° for three hours, until she successfully refloated on the rising tide. Investigations revealed that the berth had been in use for considerable time for offloading grit from small ships by means of grabs. Over time, the spilt grit had piled up on the sea bed and the charted depth had reduced substantially.
Editor's note: Such fouling can also be expected at many bulk cargo terminals. Caution must be exercised, especially if the fendering is of limited projection, and the minimum depth alongside must be confirmed from the pilot or dockmaster, or from other sources. It is also prudent to sound around the vessel with a hand lead after berthing and determine the least depth under prevailing tides. Sea suctions and discharges must be changed to the offshore side, if possible.