A 225 metre bulk carrier in ballast was at deep water anchorage near a major port. It had drafts forward and aft of 4.80 metres and 6.05 metres respectively. The weather was good but heavy winds were predicted. The crew had put out seven shackles of port anchor. The weather forecast was expected to worsen, so the Master decided to drop the starboard anchor as well, with four shackles in the water. Image for representation only Some time later the wind reached B10/11. Crew were using the main engine to try and keep the vessel on station but they were dragging anchor nonetheless. Shore authorities were advised and tug assistance was requested. Although the tug arrived soon afterwards the Master deferred immediate assistance. The tug remained in standby mode for the next seven hours as the vessel drifted, coming ever closer to a lee shore. Finally, an attempt by the tug to pull the vessel away from shore failed with the rupture of the tow line and the vessel grounded. Lessons learned Time and again groundings from storm anchorages occur because too much time was lost before lifting anchor and putting to the open sea. Good seamanship means, among other things, putting the safety of the ship and crew before all other considerations. A vessel in ballast condition should be ballasted to its maximum before bad weather is encountered to reduce pounding and augment steerage. Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Collision and Sinking of Small Craft in Shipping Lane Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Related Posts Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Collision and Sinking of Small Craft in Shipping Lane Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Disclaimer : The information on this website is for general purposes only. While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, we make no warranties of any kind regarding completeness, reliability, or suitability. Any reliance you place on such information is at your own risk. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this website. Related Articles Real Life Incident: Collision Of Container Ship and General Cargo Ship Leads To Sinking And Fatalities Real Life Incident: Collision and Sinking of Small Craft in Shipping Lane Real Life Incident: Crew Saved but Ship Lost Latest News Real Life Incident: Pin Holes Create Pathway To Fatal Reckoning Real Life Incident: Engine Cadet Loses Life Due To Fumigation Real Life Incident: Poisoning From Fumigant Takes Lives Of Chief And Third Officers Real Life Incident: Engine Room Crew Member Dies Because Of Watertight Door Real Life Incident: Engine Crew Member’s Finger Crushed Real Life Incident: Major Injury To Ship Electrician From Grinder