Vessel ran aground
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 December 2025
- Generated on 4 December 2025
- IMCA SF 22/25
- 2 minute read
A vessel on a short voyage ran aground while navigating through a narrow channel at low tide.
What happened?
Although there were no injuries nor pollution, the incident highlighted a significant lapse in navigational planning and watchkeeping. The vessel was successfully refloated without any damage to hull or propulsion.
What went right?
- The main engines were stopped immediately after grounding to prevent further damage, and the anchor was dropped to stabilise the vessel until refloating was possible,
- Emergency checks including tank soundings, draft readings, and surrounding water depth were performed promptly.
- The Master reported the incident immediately to shore-based management and the local authorities.
- The members of the bridge team were all fit for duty (healthy, rested and free from alcohol or drugs).
How could the incident have been avoided?
- Stopping to hold a toolbox talk or a pre-voyage or pre-task briefing.
- Using a formal passage plan instead of relying solely on visual observation – even for such a short voyage.
- SOLAS mandates the use of passage plans, as does company policy.
- Acknowledging and estimating correctly, the risks involved in what may look like simple and straightforward activities.
- Complacency and overconfidence are to be guarded against – particularly, as in this case, in familiar waters.
- Avoiding being distracted – here the bridge team were distracted by numerous questions from a third party during the navigation.
What are some lessons we can draw?
- Have a complete and approved passage plan in place, regardless of voyage duration or familiarity with the route.
- When manoeuvring in confined or shallow waters, have a thorough understanding of local tidal data and under-keel clearance.
- Stay focussed; know when to politely ask someone to be quiet: Bridge teams should remain focused on navigation and avoid distractions until the vessel is safely alongside.
Related Safety Flashes
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IMCA SF 03/21
19 January 2021
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IMCA SF 19/15
23 November 2015
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IMCA SF 13/15
21 September 2015
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