Tag: anchor

The Bahamas Maritime Authority issued a Safety Alert sharing lessons learned from a grounding involving a RoRo passenger ferry after dragging anchor. The investigation highlighted that the crew had been forced to change the plan at short notice and no appraisal was conducted to select an anchorage position. 

TSB Canada issued an investigation report on the collision of the bulk carriers Golden Cecilie and Green K-Max 1 in the Plumper Sound, British Columbia, in March 2020. The Golden Cecilie suffered dragging anchor due to heavy winds, the report reveals, stressing that the crew did not follow established procedures to ready the vessel for impending adverse weather conditions. 

Transport Malta MSIU issued an investigation report into the fatality and serious injuries on board the Maltese-registered passenger/roro vessel Euroferry Malta, in October 2019, in heavy weather conditions. The investigation highlighted that the anchors were not secured, as this was not common practice for the ship in such voyages.

The Standard Club’s loss prevention (LP) department comments on how this current crisis in oil prices coupled with the fall in demand has pushed several oil producers, traders and consumers to stock up, leading to a shortage in storage space for oil, not just crude but even clean products such as aviation fuel and gasoline.

Standard Club informed that it has seen a recent increase of incidents involving lost anchors, which are potentially related to high water levels in the Mississippi river.

On 11 January, a coastal freighter anchored in Oban bay, Scotland requested help from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) in Oban Station, as it was facing difficulties due to force winds. In light of the situation, Oban RNLI Lifeboat "Mora Edith MacDonald" was sent in the area to provide its assistance to the dragged vessel.

The Swedish Club shares lessons learned from a loss of anchor incident, which took place in heavy weather. The anchor and chain were lost and the vessel was not allowed to continue its journey until the anchor and chain had been replaced.

While anchored in Yokohama, Keihin Port, a cargo ship dragged the anchor, drifted toward to the northeast, and collided with the seawall at Ogishima, Kawasaki section. Typhoon No. 24 was approaching. The Japan Transport Safety Board issued an investigation report on the incident. 

Sometimes the anchor may drag, something that may not be in control of the crew. So, what rests for the crew to do is to recognize the signs of a dragging anchor?

Setting an anchor correctly with confidence and knowing that your boat will be safe in a well-secured anchorage, gives you a sense of relaxation without concerning to rely on mooring and marinas when cruising. Keep in mind that anchoring plays an intense role in boat handling skills.