Media Release
2007/45
Undetected failure disabled ship in Bass Strait
20 November 2007
The ATSB has found that an undetected flaw, and the subsequent
failure of a critical main engine component, led to the bulk
carrier Enterprise being disabled in Bass Strait on 10 July 2006
and drifting for nearly three days.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation has found
that a microscopic flaw led to the failure of a main engine gudgeon
pin. The investigation also found that the engine manufacturer did
not provide sufficient guidance for monitoring the fatigue life of
gudgeon pins and that the planning and execution of maintenance on
critical items of equipment was inadequate.
At about 1540 on 10 July 2006, while Enterprise was en route
from Adelaide to Newcastle, the main engine low lubricating oil
pressure alarm sounded, indicating that the main engine's
lubricating oil filter was choked. While the duty engineer was
changing over to the spare lubricating oil filter, oil pressure was
lost, causing the engine to stop. The engine was restarted and the
voyage was resumed.
At 1805, the alarm sounded again and the engineers stopped the
engine. At 2000, after inspections had been undertaken, the chief
engineer advised the master that there was probably damage to the
engine's bearings and that the ship would need to be towed to the
nearest port for repairs.
At 1400 on 13 July, Enterprise was taken in tow by the tug Keera
and towed to Melbourne, where it berthed at 1900 on 15 July. During
the engine repairs in Melbourne it was discovered that one gudgeon
pin had failed.
The ATSB has made three safety recommendations with the aim of
preventing further incidents of this type.
Copies of the report can be downloaded from the ATSB's internet
site at
www.atsb.gov.au or obtained from the ATSB by telephoning (02)
6274 7687 or 1800 020 616.
Media Contact: George Nadal business hours & after hours duty officer 1800 020 616
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