The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) reports of collisions by general cargo vessel, Celtic Spirit, as a result of anchor dragging. The incident happened on the waters of river Humber, England.
Summary
On 1 March 2018, the UK registered general cargo vessel Celtic Spirit dragged its anchor in heavy weather on the River Humber, England.
The vessel subsequently collided with the research and survey vessel Atlantic Explorer and the general cargo vessel Celtic Warrior, which were also at anchor.
All three vessels sustained shell plate damage, but there were no injuries and no pollution.
Findings
- Celtic Spirit dragged its anchor because insufficient anchor cable had been deployed for the tidal range and environmental conditions experienced .
- It was not immediately identified that Celtic Spirit was dragging its anchor because the anchor position monitoring was inadequate.
- Celtic Spirit’s bridge watchkeeper did not alert Vessel Traffic Services or nearby vessels that his own ship was dragging anchor.
- Celtic Spirit was unable to manoeuvre in sufficient time to remedy the situation because its engine was not on immediate readiness, and class conditions relating to engine readiness while operating with only one anchor were not followed or understood.
- Lack of company guidance meant that there was an inconsistent approach to engine readiness on board sister vessels in the same fleet.
- Atlantic Explorer and Celtic Warrior were unable to weigh their anchors in the time available.
Damages
- Celtic Spirit suffered structural damage to its weather deck, engine room shell plating and bulwark along its port quarter,
- Atlantic Explorer suffered damage to its shell plating at its bow and port shoulder, and damage to its anchor equipment,
- Celtic Warrior sustained shell plate damage to its bow.
Actions Taken
- A company memo intended to raise standards of anchor watchkeeping and to clarify the notice required of engines in rough weather.
- An onboard checklist for anchor watchkeeping in poor weather.
- Clarification of engine readiness for the term ‘main engine stand-by’.
Recommendations
In view of the actions already taken, no recommendations have been made.
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Source: Marine Accident Investigation Branch
