The Marine Safety Forum (MSF) reported an incident in which a mooring line was drawn into an operating bow thruster during mooring operations.
During the mooring at the port, the vessel used increased power from the bow thruster to maintain position against a following wind of about 13 knots and low friction from the fenders. After securing the stern mooring lines, the forward mooring crew sent a paddle ashore using the mooring line.
The second mooring line and the bow line were connected in a "chain" to facilitate the work of the shore workers.
The mooring device required the shore workers to retrieve the mooring line and then move it along the shore to the dolphin. The shore route consisted of uneven, rocky terrain. Communication between the vessel and shore personnel was limited to verbal and visual signals.
When the bow line was released, one crew member noticed that the attached mooring line was moving towards the area of the bow thruster. The exact reason why the line became uncontrolled was not determined; it may have been accidentally released, disconnected, or slipped out of control of the shore personnel.
The mooring line fell into the water and was then drawn into the operating bow thruster due to the suction forces. The attached mooring rope was also pulled towards the thruster.
The bridge was immediately informed, and the power to the thruster was reduced. However, thruster No. 1 shut down after drawing in the line. The vessel began to move away from the dock but was safely returned to position with the help of thruster No. 2 and an additional bow line. After safe mooring, all thrusters were shut down, and it was confirmed that the rope was stuck in thruster No. 1.
Divers were mobilized and successfully removed the rope manually. Inspection and operational tests revealed no damage to the thruster or propeller, and the device was returned to service.
Failure to control the mooring and paddle lines during the operation of the bow thruster during mooring operations allowed the free line to enter the suction zone of the thruster and become trapped in it.
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