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A loss of propulsion due to a false alarm led to cargo vessels colliding near Port Arthur last year, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recently reported by TheDigitalShip.com.
While transiting the Sabine Pass on Aug. 21, 2022, the cargo ship Damgracht lost propulsion when the vessel’s main engine shut down due to “high oil mist density” sensed by its oil mist detector (OMD). Due to the abrupt loss of propulsion, the Damgracht began veering into the path of the cargo ship AP Revelin, according to the NTSB report.
The pilot aboard the Damgracht took steps to notify and avoid the AP Revelin, but without the means to maneuver the vessel, the Damgracht and the AP Revelin collided. No injuries were reported. The collision resulted in $3.4 million in damages to the AP Revelin.
The day before the collision, the Damgracht’s main engine alarmed and shortly later shut down due to a high cooling water temperature. That evening, the engine crew cooled down the main engine and repaired a failed cylinder head gasket.
The NTSB determined the probable cause of the collision was the Damgracht’s loss of propulsion caused by an automatic shutdown of the main engine due to a false alarm, likely triggered by water vapor sensed by the oil mist detector shortly after engine maintenance was completed to replace a failed cylinder head gasket during high-humidity conditions.