While transiting the harbour’s main channel outbound, a large vessel suffered a main engine failure. The pilot informed the shore authorities, and tugs were immediately provided. The vessel’s speed at the time of the engine failure was ten knots, and it could maintain its heading until clear of any danger under its momentum.
The cause- a fuel blockage – was quickly reported as cleared, and the main engine was restarted. At this point, the vessel was still making five knots, so the vessel navigated back into the main channel. The pilot stood down the tugs after the master verified that the main engine was working correctly.
The pilot then disembarked, but shortly afterwards, they heard the master contact the shore authority to request an anchorage to fix the main engine, contradicting what he had told the pilot on board.
