As much as we enjoy the beauty and freedom of sailing on the open water, as boaters, we need to be aware of the risks that come with it. One of the most ominous and dreadful risks is the sinking of ships. Shipwrecks have been recorded in history for thousands of years, and they still happen today. So,?
There are a variety of reasons that ships may sink, including human errors, natural disasters, and mechanical failures. However, the leading cause of ship sinking is indeed human error.
According to the US Coast Guard, the most common human errors that lead to shipwrecks are the following:
1) Negligence: Failing to maintain or inspect the vessel properly, leading to mechanical or structural failure, is a huge mistake. Regular inspection and maintenance of the vessel, including the hull, engines, pumps and lines, is essential to prevent catastrophic failure.
2) Weather: Underestimating or ignoring weather forecasts is another human error that can lead to disasters. Sailing in rough seas or bad weather conditions creates a considerable risk of capsizing or sinking.
3) Overloading: Filling the vessel with more cargo or passengers than its weight and size capacity often leads to instability while on water, which can cause the vessel to capsize and sink.
4) Navigation Errors: Miscalculating the boat’s position on the water, misreading nautical charts, and not consistently monitoring the bow’s direction can lead a boat to run a ground or collide with other ships.
5) Human Error in Judgment: Failing to assess changing conditions as well as decision-making can lead to disastrous outcomes. Not adjusting speed or sailing too fast in crowded or shallow water without considering the surroundings and environmental factors like tides, currents, and winds lead to crashing and sinking.
6) Equipment Malfunctioning: This is another major cause of ship sinking. Ignoring equipment malfunctioning or delaying repairs and upkeep lead to vessel failure, potentially disastrous incidents like engine failure, loss of power, or steering malfunction.
The above-listed errors can be minimized by proper training and education, frequent vessel maintenance, and navigation skills. Being aware and implementing mitigation procedures can reduce shipwrecks and the loss of lives and property. Bottom line, knowing the cause of ship sinking and taking precautions with due diligence can prevent an otherwise avoidable catastrophe. So before heading out onto the water, remember to be aware and mindful of these human errors; it could save your life!