2 ms·
If ship runs aground while travelling at low speed, it's usually enough to reverse propeller(s), let ship work itself loose & move back to direction you came fr
by RetroTechie 3y ago
If ship runs aground while travelling at low speed, it's usually enough to reverse propeller(s), let ship work itself loose & move back to direction you came from.
But if ship travelled at high(er) speed, inertia helps it dig in & reverse propellers may not suffice even at full power.
With a small boat you have a variety of options to try:
Keep trying with engine in reverse, give it time.
Throw anker as far as possible, and use that to pull boat free.
Use a boom to push boat backwards.
Failing that: step overboard, and push boat by hand.
Or some combo thereof. I speak from experience... ;-)
On a big ship you'll have more advanced controls but no hands-on options. Not to mention freezing waters.
So in this case I presume ship was doing cruising speed or so when it ran aground? Requiring outside help to pull it free.
As long as it didn't spring a (big) leak, and the weather is calm, no reason to worry.
So... pro tip: if you're ever in a boat & unsure if water is deep enough: GO SLOW. Makes things easier when you run aground (and minimizes paint damage).