Location: Puerto Cabello, Venezuela
Incident Overview:
MV Sea Ruby - 24 years
Date: 07.05.2024
Date and Time of Initial Discovery: 04.05.2024, 1730 Hrs LT
Description of Event:
During the discharging operation of Cargo Hold 2 Tween Deck, damage to several big bags containing cargo was discovered. The damaged bags were primarily located beneath the hatch pocket in the aft section of the tween deck, near the engine room bulkhead.
The damaged bags were immediately transferred to the forward section of the Cargo Hold 2 Tween Deck. The discovery was made in the presence of the ship's crew, receivers' tally clerks, and stevedores. The Master and crew were unable to conceal the damage from other parties.
The damaged bags showed wet patches and signs of water ingress. Silver nitrate tests confirmed water leakage from the port side structure. Wetness was also found under the bags and traced to water flowing through the access ladder opening, which lacked proper sealing.
Root Cause:
The main causes were water ingress from the ship's structure, rain during loading at Tekirdag, Turkey, and water running from the tween deck to the lower hold through the open access ladder.
Positive results were obtained on suspected areas of the ship's structure, including the port side of the ship's hull, indicating possible water ingress.
Tests on the bulkhead without visible stains also yielded positive results.
Signs of rust were noted on bags located near the aft access ladder.
Bags in the portside corner appeared more damaged compared to other areas.
Most of the damage was limited to the bottom of the big bags, with no visible side damage.
Immediate Action Taken:
The damaged bags were immediately transferred to the forward section of the Cargo Hold 2 Tween Deck.
The crew acted quickly by sealing hatch covers with tape and tarpaulin to stop further water entry. Damaged areas were inspected, and the root causes were recorded to prevent similar incidents.
Potential Consequences:
- Damage to cargo due to water ingress.
- Cargo claims and financial losses.
- Delays in cargo discharge operations.
- Loss of cargo quality and potential rejection by receivers.
- Reduced operational efficiency.
Corrective / Preventive Action:
The crew acted quickly by sealing hatch covers with tape and tarpaulin to stop further water entry. Damaged areas were inspected, and the root causes were recorded to prevent similar incidents.
This incident highlighted the importance of water ingress prevention, proper hatch sealing, and thorough checks during loading to protect cargo and maintain operational efficiency.
