R Devaraj, C/E

The vessel was a Panamax Bulk Carrier. The ship was carrying coal from Taiwan to USA. Just 4 days before reaching USA, the weather turned rough, the water rose above No. 1 hold. The water from the deck drained out, but the water level was rising and falling, ship rolling badly. Low insulation alarm came in the MSB panel for the forward section.

Next morning, the Master diverted the ship, to reduce the rolling. On inspecting the fore peak store, it was found that the entire stores was flooded with Sea Water. The lighting transformers, windlass motors etc were completely immersed in Sea Water. All the transformers and motors were disconnected and brought to the work shop. They were all dismantled and cleaned well and the insulation was brought hp by heating and the motors and transformers were boxed back in place just in time before arrival USA.

Lesson learnt :

all the doors on the weather deck can be checked for the proper sealing arrangements.