Always report lost anchors or chains to local vessel traffic services (VTS). The Nautical Institute gives this warning in its latest Mars Report, in which a tanker damaged its hydraulic motor after getting its anchor entangled with an abandoned anchor and chain.
The Nautical Institute gathers reports of maritime accidents and near-misses. It then publishes these so-called Mars Reports (anonymously) to prevent other accidents from happening. A summary of this incident:
A loaded tanker had dropped anchor in a designated anchorage in depths of 30 metres, using six shackles in the water. Upon receiving clearance to berth, the deck crew began recovering the anchor, but the windlass was experiencing considerable strain.
The hydraulic motor was damaged due to the heavy load, so the operation was stopped and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) informed accordingly. A spare hydraulic motor was installed and about 12 hours later clearance was again received to heave anchor.
On this attempt, the anchor was successfully lifted out of the water. The crew observed the vessel’s anchor was fouled with another anchor and chain. After careful consideration and with the exercise of good seamanship, this abandoned anchor and chain was freed from the vessel’s gear and the vessel continued normal operations. The local VTS was informed.
Also read: Shifting anchorage position ends in disaster
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- If you lose an anchor and/or chain in a designated anchorage always report such an incident to local VTS, as it will then be identified as a possible foul ground area.
- If your windlass is struggling to lift the anchor in otherwise normal conditions consider the possibility of it being fouled. Divers may be needed to inspect.
Also read: When two anchors are not enough
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 202356, that are part of Report Number 374. A selection of the Mars Reports are also published in the SWZ|Maritime magazine. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published (in full) on SWZ|Maritime’s website.
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form.
Picture: Anchor fouled with abandoned anchor and chain.
