Abstract

At 0939 on 24 June 2005, the bulk carrier Pilsum collided with another bulk carrier, China Steel Growth, while dragging its anchor. The two ships were anchored off the New South Wales port of Newcastle.

On the morning of 24 June, a southerly weather front came through the anchorage. At 0900 on 24 June, the officer of the watch on Pilsum detected that the ship was dragging its anchor. The master was informed and he decided to weigh anchor and depart the anchorage.

Pilsum’s crew encountered difficulties recovering the anchor. During the anchor retrieval process Pilsum drifted towards China Steel Growth, which was anchored to the north.

At 0935 Pilsum pitched heavily, the propeller came clear of the water and the main engine was shut down by the overspeed trip. Pilsum’s main engine was restarted, however at 0939 Pilsum collided with China Steel Growth. The two ships moved apart and then made contact a second time before Pilsum finally made its way clear.