2011X05 Cargo Shift due Anchor Chain

 Cargo Shift due Anchor Chain
- UK.
- Official Report No. 7017.

An incident of cargo shifting, this time anchor chain, was reported in the British MAIB Summary of Investigations 1/94. MAIB reports are published by HMSO and are available from PO BOX 276 London SW8 5DT

A 299 grt general cargo vessel was loaded with a cargo of 467 tonnes of anchor chain. As the tank top was constructed of steel, wooden dunnage was laid to prevent the first layer of chain moving. Bundles of chain were loaded in the hold by crane, but no further securing was carried out. The Master and Mate were satisfied with the stow. She departed in fine conditions with wind Force 2 -3. The forecast was Force 8 southerly, so some double bottom tanks were ballasted. Over the second and third days of the voyage the winds increased to Force 7– 8, with a long swell. At 0500 on the fourth day the cargo shifted and the vessel listed heavily to port after being hit by two huge waves on the starboard quarter. It was estimated that the angle of list was 25 to 30 degrees. The crew prepared the liferafts and put on survival suits. #1 ballast tank starboard side was filled and VHF contact made with the Coastguard. There was an increase in wind which produced a further cargo shift and the list increased to 40 degrees. The water was over the deck but not up to the hatches. At 0620 the rescue helicopter arrived and by 0640 all the crew had been airlifted from the starboard bridge wing. The machinery remained operational during the incident. The crew were safely landed ashore and the vessel was later towed to sheltered water. The cargo was restowed and the vessel continued on her voyage.

Observations

It was the first time the Master and Mate had taken a cargo of this type.

The severe weather conditions caused the unsecured bundles of anchor chain to shift.

Comment

This incident put the persons on board at risk. Had the Master and Mate followed the guidance set out in the IMO "Code of Safe Working Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing" Annex 8 Safe stowage and securing of anchor chains – this incident would not have occurred.

The aim of the code is to provide an international standard for the safe stowage and securing of cargoes. It gives advice on ways of securing and stowing cargoes. It gives advice on ways of securing and stowing cargoes and gives specific guidance on cargoes which are known to create difficulties or hazards. It also gives advice on action to be taken in heavy seas to remedy cargo shift.