A 23,000 tonne double hull chemical/oil tanker, carrying 16,300 tonnes of low sulphur fuel oil arrived early and anchored, with the pilot booked for 1315 the following day. On his last visit nearly 10 months ago, the vessel had entered close to high water while this time it was 1 hour before low water. Hence the tide was setting north-easterly instead of to the south-west.

Anchorage was 10 miles from pilot embarkation point. However, anchor was aweigh only at 1235 and in spite of a maximum speed of 14 knots, making the pilot at 1315 was difficult. A delay meant postponement of berthing. The force 6 westerly wind and the tide were both unfavourable and the vessel proceeded at full speed on a course of 262, monitored by VTS, who requested the pilot ladder on the starboard side. The prevailing wind was virtually right ahead and the designated

The vessel had set north of planned track unobserved, OOW was on deck to meet the pilot and the master was unable to effectively monitor the vessel’s position. 20 minutes behind boarding schedule, the pilot boat observed the high approach speed and called the vessel to slow down and swing to starboard for providing lee. Master did so without appreciating the very close proximity of the shoal patch. As soon as the pilot boarded, the master swung the vessel back to port, but it was too late – the vessel had grounded.  Being soft mud bottom, she was successfully refloated 2 hours later, without sustaining damage.