During a loaded voyage of a bulk carrier it was discovered that water had entered into the double bottom tank No.4, amidships. After inspection it was found that the water was coming through the ship’s side via the access trunk from the top wing tank and then to the double bottom ballast tank. The ingress water was estimated to be approximately 300 cubic meters per hour. Fortunately, the leak was limited to the double bottom ballast tank and the ballast pumps were able to keep the tank empty until the crack could be dealt with.
Officer of the Watch 