What Happened
What Happened
On April 21, 2023, the bulk carrier John J Boland grounded twice in Port Dolomite, Michigan, while loading cargo. About 1445, after getting underway, the crew discovered flooding and damage to the hull of the vessel. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the vessel was $776,125.
What We Found
What We Found
We determined that the probable cause of the grounding of, and resulting hull damage to, the self-unloading bulk carrier John J Boland was inadequate operating company guidance to create a load plan with sufficient underkeel clearance and the master’s decision to use the main engine to free the vessel after it was aground. Contributing was the master and first mate becoming desensitized to the risk of vessel damage associated with grounding during loading operations.
What We Recommended
Developing Load Plans
To safely carry out cargo loading operations, it is important for vessel crews to understand the characteristics of the facilities where they will be operating, including the depth of water at the dock and potential hazards, such as nearby shoaling, that could impact the loading process. Effective company policies and guidance for cargo loading include pertinent information, such as clear expectations for required underkeel clearance, to assist personnel developing load plans with identifying and mitigating hazards. Additionally, crewmembers can consult nautical charts and surveys, tidal and/or water gage information, ship-specific stability and loading information, and information from the dock/facility when developing a load plan.
