201203 - Mooring wire parted and rope tail lost

One of our tankers was preparing to sail from a terminal after discharging. With pilot embarked and after ensuring that it was safe to do so, the main engine was tested ahead and astern on air and fuel. Perhaps due to an unduly prolonged ahead engine test movement, a sternline (wire rope) parted near the thimble eye connection to its nylon rope tail.

This was promptly reported to the bridge by the officer on aft station. Fortunately, it did not result in any injury or damage, and the wire was quickly recovered onboard. The Pilot was immediately informed by the Master, and the shore linesmen were requested to return the rope tail with connecting shackle to the ship. However, much to everyone’s dismay, the mooring gang inexplicably removed the eye of the rope tail from the shore bollard and dumped the severed length of synthetic rope along with its fittings into the water, where it sank and disappeared from view. Fortunately, the propeller was not fouled and after tugs were fast, the ship sailed without further incident.

The Master issued a Letter of Protest to the terminal, copied to local agents and managers, holding them solely responsible for all costs, consequences, damages and delays that may occur in future due to the mooring rope tail and fittings being dropped in water alongside the berth by their linesmen. The letter was not acknowledged. Corrective/preventative actions Incident report circulated to the Fleet. Safe procedures for testing main engine at berth and in port summarised from operating manual for guidance of all bridge teams.