Grounding of general cargo vessel Nova
Location: Approaches to Rye Harbour, England.
Completed PE Summary: Nova
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Nova |
| Manager | Wijnne & Barends |
| Port of Registry | Delfzijl |
| Flag | Netherlands |
| Classification Society | Lloyd’s Register |
| Type | General cargo vessel |
| Built | 2002 |
| Construction | Steel |
| Length Overall | 79.98m |
| Gross Tonnage | 1978 |
| Date/Time | 21/12/2007, 1321 |
| Location of Incident | Approaches to Rye Harbour |
| Incident Type | Grounding |
| Persons Onboard | 7 |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Ship holed/None |
Synopsis
When entering the port of Rye, England, in daylight, the general cargo ship Nova grounded on a harbour training wall. A harbour pilot was embarked and was conning the vessel; the ship’s master was on the helm. The grounding occurred within the port limits and resulted from an inability to check the vessel’s turn into the main approach channel. The ship was re-floated at 1332 with the assistance of a pilot launch and berthed in Rye Harbour at 1359.
The ship was holed below the waterline in way of the forepeak and No4 and No7 double bottom tanks. There was minor damage to the harbour training wall.
Action taken
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has written to the port authority, advising:
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The re-evaluation of the approach to the port normally adopted by pilots in order to avoid significant course alterations in close proximity to the entrance channel whenever possible.
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Pilots always request information relating to the rudder and steering arrangements, propulsion type and power output, propeller type and manoeuvring characteristics of vessels, when such information is not otherwise offered.
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Key information pertinent to the safe navigation of a vessel in the port is obtained prior to her arrival, particularly when it is a ship’s first visit.
The Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents has also written to the ship manager, advising:
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The information contained on the pilot cards carried by its ships includes the manoeuvring characteristics of the vessel concerned, such as the effects of the wind and behaviour at slow speed and in shallow water.
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Its masters to discuss all the information contained on the pilot card with the pilot as soon as the pilot embarks.