A job had to be done.
Every body thought Somebody would do.
Somebody thought Anybody could do.
Nobody did the job thinking that Somebody would do.
Finally Nobody did a job which Anybody could do.

The Management Company of “MV Sea Angel” got wind that CNN and BBC would be filming this historic event. They made elaborate check lists and plans for this important event and gave lengthy directives to the Master of “Sea Angel”. They directed the local agent to deliver new overalls and helmets with the Company’s logo boldly embossed on them, and new sets of uniforms to the crew, as they expected a vide coverage for this event. The Agent at Somalia delivered the same by the Pilot Boat at Somalia. 

The High Commissioner of the UN, the Minister of Agriculture of Somalia and other top ranking officials were scheduled to arrive on board for that important event.  The entire crew was very jubilant and ecstatic on that particular day, as they were likely to be on TV.

The after the usual band and other pleasantries the Dignitaries were received on board with great fanfare and the UN High Commissioner did the customary drill of breaking open one seal of a hatch  and every one clapped in thunderous applause.

The hatches were then opened and lo and behold to the utter dismay of every one a foul smell emanated from the hatch and they saw that the grain in the hatches were germinated due seepage of water into all the holds. All the holds were full of a green Paddy field.

Hell broke lose on board the “MV Sea Angel”. The Local Agent and the receiver of cargo realized that the crew had not removed the drain plugs of hatches No 2 and 6 and the track ways of number 2 and 6 hatches were not fully cleaned.  The plastic covers on all the other hatch drains were also not removed during the voyage.  The TV crew had a field day taking shots of the damaged wheat cargo, every reporter tried to analyze the event in his own way with a lot of drama, punch and excitement. 

The entire crews of the Sea Angel were shell shocked. They then realized that the Cadet had not removed the drain plugs of No 2 and 6 hatches in the load port and not cleaned the track ways properly.   Every one shouted at the Cadet for causing such a colossal damage.

Who is to be blamed?

To be continued...

BY P Kondal Rao, Chief Officer, MV MELODIA