SUB-COMMITTEE ON STABILITY AND LOAD LINES AND ON ...

Ref.: 391/09 and 520/09
BSU
Bundesstelle für Seeunfalluntersuchung
Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation
3.2.4 Course of the accident according to the crew
The vessel had been moored as a hot lay-up 3 at the anchor position outside the
Hong Kong roadstead with no cargo and in ballast from 31 July 2009. On 13
September 2009, a tropical storm was forecast with wind speeds of up to 40 kts.
When severe gale warnings were issued on 14 September 2009 with the path of the
storm predicted to pass west of Hong Kong and swell increasing significantly, the
anchor was weighed at1342. The intention was to proceed to the east away from the
path of the storm. Other vessels also weighed anchor and headed east. Due to
heavy traffic, it was not possible to steer a course which ran directly to the east. The
weather and sea conditions deteriorated continuously; 9 to 10 Bft was measured at
1800 and wind speeds of 65 kts at 2000. It was not possible to maintain the vessel's
course; accordingly, the heading deviated from the actual course over ground by
more than 100°. The rolling motions increased significantly; at 2100, the pointer on
the scale of the inclinometer was at the limit stop at 35° and roll periods of 8 seconds
were measured. During this period, all the books, files and papers fell from the
cupboards and shelving and slid back and forth on the floor of the bridge.
According to the schedule, the watch was to be taken over by the 36-year-old third
officer at midnight. A 29-year-old AB (able bodied seaman) reported to the bridge at
2350 to assist the third officer shortly before the third officer appeared on the bridge.
However, the third officer ordered the AB to leave the bridge and don sturdy working
shoes because he was only wearing open sandals when he appeared on the bridge.
When the AB left the bridge, the third officer was standing amidships on the bridge at
the radio workstation and held on firmly with both hands while the 60-year-old master
sat on the starboard side in front of the radar equipment and held on to the handrail
there.
Amidships
Figure 9: Bridge after the accident
3 Hot lay-up = laid-up vessel with main engine at the ready and reduced manning
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