Grounding, Unsubmerged Propeller

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) issued the report of its investigation into the grounding of a bulk carrier at Grassy Harbour, King Island, Tasmania on 10 May 2007.  The ship grounded while being maneuvered in confined waters as it was coming into port.  The after draft had been reduced so that a minimum under keel clearance of 1.6 ft could be maintained alongside at berth.  Unfortunately, at that draft the ship’s controllable pitch propeller was not fully submerged.  The adverse impact this caused to the ship’s maneuverability was not fully taken into account by either the pilot or the master.  MAIR 241 (1/27/09).

(Source: Holland & Knight)