Almost got to have a fun day at work....

[DaveR]

We're sailing north in the English channel at the moment, and we got the call to ask if we're able to offer assistance with this.



http://www.newsmaritime.com/2016/car-carrier-modern-express-in-danger-with-heavy-list-in-bay-of-biscay/

Anyway, the forecast Force 9 gales was what kept us on course for Sunny and Warm Scotland, be there in 2 days.
We would have been on the seen of the distressed vessel for the use of our helideck only, but, not much good in a gale as we can't stay steady enough to land a chopper.

Force 9 gale, naaaa thanx, give me the dreadful cold of scotland any day   

[LC]

Have been reading about that on gcaptain. Very similar to the cougar ace almost 10 years. Pleased they got everyone off without any injuries.

[gronk]

What causes this   ?  Shift in cargo ?

[geedublya]

Ballast tank problem most likely.


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[LC]

What causes this   ?  Shift in cargo ?

I don't know Grieg, the reports I've read don't say. My first guess is that some of the machinery it was carrying has come loose in the rough weather. It would only only take one truck to break free, then as the ship rolls the loose truck (or whatever) gets flung about and more would come loose. With all the weight now sitting on what is now the low side the ship is would now be reasonably stable, and as long as the water doesn't get in, its probably unlikely to sink.

If water had got in, it would only take an inch or so of water across one of the vehicle decks to upset the vessel's stability, with the end result being what you have now.

[DaveR]

The captain was saying the load of timber broke free, then had a knock on effect.
Inside these ships is just big open flat decks, like a wide multi story car park. They are not very comfortable to live on.