Why is the ship on Bramble bank?

[duncan99210]

Just pause to think about the kinetic energy involved in stopping a vessel weighing in at 150,000 tonnes. Even if the ship didn't simply drag the anchor through the bottom like a tooth pick, it is unlikely that the chain or anchor winch would survive the experience. The anchor gear is designed to hold what is essentially a stationery ship in place not to act as an emergency brake for a vessel moving at some seven knots. Given the reported circumstances, the safest option was to ground the vessel on what is known to be a soft sand bank, which would absorb the energy of the collision with a minimal chance of significant damage to the hull of the vessel.

 

[Mariner69]

One of the fundamental concerns in using an anchor is what happens if the vessel sits on it.

Bottom damage is likely to result particularly if the bottom is hard.

Not so much of a problem since double bottoms have come in for tankers but a number of years ago it would have guaranteed employment all around for the oil pollution whallas.