Classification
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Incident Type | Capsize not girding |
| Severity | High |
| Investigation Body | Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport |
Vessel Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Vessel Name | Mona |
| Vessel Names | Mona |
| Vessel Type | General Cargo |
| Flag State | Comoros [KM] |
| IMO Number | 8516275 |
| Gross Tonnage | 3147 |
| LOA (m) | 83.85 |
| Breadth (m) | |
Incident Details
| Field | Value |
|---|
| Date | 2017-08-25 |
| Region | Persian Gulf |
| Location | Khaled Port, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates |
| Coordinates | 25.357200, 55.370800 |
| Fatalities | |
| Injuries | |
| Missing | |
| Direct Damage | |
| Economic Damage | |
Key facts
- Mona arrived at Khaled Port on 24 August carrying empty containers and was scheduled to load 94 packed 40-foot containers.
- By 15:41 on 25 August, 40 packed containers had been loaded below deck rather than the planned 38.
- With 736.31 tonnes of containers above deck and the double-bottom and upper ballast tanks nearly empty, Mona developed a 4- to 5-degree starboard list.
- Loading resumed after the list appeared to have reduced, but the list returned and increased beyond 9 degrees.
- The master ordered evacuation at about 21:50; Mona capsized onto her starboard side at about 23:00.
Narrative
Mona arrived at Khaled Port on 24 August 2017 carrying empty containers. The loading plan called for those units to be discharged and 94 packed 40-foot containers weighing 2,608.75 tonnes to be loaded. Packed-container loading began at about 11:41 on 25 August. By 15:41, 40 containers weighing 1,306.25 tonnes had been loaded below deck, two more than planned. Above-deck loading then began. When the first above-deck tier was nearly complete, 736.31 tonnes of containers had been placed on the hatch covers while the double-bottom and upper ballast tanks were empty apart from a very small quantity. As a second above-deck tier began, Mona developed a starboard list of about 4 to 5 degrees and loading stopped at about 17:47. Loading resumed at 19:27 after the vessel appeared upright again, although the cause of the initial list had not been established. Fourteen additional containers were loaded by 20:02. The list returned and increased, and the master ordered above-deck containers to be discharged. Four containers were removed, but the heel exceeded 9 degrees and pressure on the twist locks prevented further unloading. At about 21:50, the master ordered the crew to evacuate to the quay. Mona continued listing and capsized onto her starboard side at about 23:00. The investigation concluded that inaccurate stability calculations, empty double-bottom ballast tanks, continued loading above deck and the free-surface effect of ballast in a partly filled upper tank caused the loss of stability. It also identified limited container-loading experience, no reliable stability computer and inadequate oversight. The report does not state casualty totals or the post-capsize disposition.
Sequence of events
| Date/time | Event |
|---|
| 2017-08-24 | Mona arrived at Khaled Port with empty containers and accepted the packed-container loading plan. |
| 2017-08-25 11:41 local | Packed-container loading began. |
| 2017-08-25 17:47 local | Loading stopped after Mona developed a 4- to 5-degree starboard list. |
| 2017-08-25 19:27 local | Loading resumed after the vessel appeared upright. |
| 2017-08-25 21:50 local | The master ordered the crew to evacuate to the quay. |
| 2017-08-25 23:00 local | Mona capsized onto her starboard side. |
Contributing factors
| Factor | Evidence status | Description |
|---|
| Inaccurate stability calculations | Confirmed finding | The investigation found that the calculations did not accurately represent the vessel's loading condition. |
| Empty double-bottom ballast tanks | Confirmed finding | Container weight was added above deck without corresponding low ballast, raising the centre of gravity and reducing stability. |
| Loading resumed before the initial list was explained | Confirmed finding | Operations restarted even though the cause of the first list had not been verified and resolved. |
| Free-surface effect | Confirmed finding | Ballast in a partly filled upper tank generated a free-surface effect that contributed to the progressive heel. |
| Limited experience and stability tools | Confirmed finding | The master and first officer lacked experience with a full packed-container cargo, and no reliable stability computer was available. |
Investigation
The Maritime Accidents Investigation Committee of the Federal Authority for Land and Maritime Transport issued report 05.Comm.Acc.Mar-FTA on 22 October 2017. It reconstructed the loading operation from port records and interviews but could not inspect the vessel's equipment or recover ship and crew documents. The committee found that inaccurate stability calculations, inadequate ballast management, resumption of loading before resolving the initial list, limited loading experience and the absence of a reliable stability computer contributed to the capsize. The report records evacuation but does not establish casualty totals, financial loss or later disposition.
References
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