When Navigational Challenges Trump Port Excursions
In the maritime world, every day presents a new set of challenges for captains and their crew, and today was no exception.
On day seven of the voyage, Captain Kate McCue of Celebrity Cruises faced a crucial decision as adverse weather conditions forced the cancellation of the scheduled port visit to Antigua.
The weather forecast had predicted northeasterly winds ranging from 25 to 30 knots.
However, reality had a different plan, with winds escalating to 35 to 40 knots and gusts reaching a formidable 45 knots, equivalent to approximately 52 mph.
Docking a ship in a port is a meticulous operation, but when nature takes the helm, it becomes a test of seamanship and decision-making.
“Taking a ship through a narrow channel is one thing, but when you have wind impacting the vessel’s heading at different speeds, it adds an extra layer of complexity,” Captain Kate McCue explained during the arrival briefing with her bridge team.
Under normal circumstances, the crew would pick up the pilot and navigate down the middle of the channel at a controlled speed. However, the wind’s influence on the ship’s heading, known as the “crab angle,” needed careful consideration. Today’s maximum crab angle, as determined by Captain McCue and her team, was set at 13°.
As the vessel approached the pilot station, it became evident that conditions were more challenging than anticipated.
The ship was already experiencing a 10° crab angle. Captain McCue made a quick decision to execute a maneuver into Safe Water, allowing the team to assess the situation and discuss potential options with the local pilot, the expert familiar with the nuances of the port.
With wind speeds peaking at 46.4 knots, both Captain McCue and the pilot unanimously agreed that attempting the arrival under such conditions would pose a significant safety risk. Captain McCue made the responsible call to cancel the port visit, prioritizing the safety of the guests, crew, and the vessel.
“We never want to disappoint anyone, but when it comes to the safety of our guests, crew, and our ship, I will never put anyone at risk or in danger,” Captain McCue emphasized over the public address system, updating passengers on the situation.
The ship made a graceful departure from the area, and a new voyage plan was swiftly crafted for the next port of call—St. Kitts.
As passengers settled into the unexpected day at sea, Captain Kate McCue reassured them that their safety remained the top priority, turning an unforeseen change of plans into a relaxing day for everyone on board.
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Brava, Captain. Professional and clearly explained
This government is a failure. Tourism is our business and they cant ensure a ship is docked.
Can government control high winds and rough seas? Man yall can say some real dumb 💩 on here see.
Good response to a foolish comment.
What does the government has to do with a ship’s decision to dock or not dock due to safety factors such as high winds? Do you want the government to stop the wind from blowing?or the ships captain to endanger the ship, crew and passengers?
All I want is the best for the country. The government could have done better and ensure the ship docked.
Your name suits you shameful.you is the biggest idiot I ever seen commenting here.and you had the guts to respond to your nonsense.
Agreed
The idiot doubles down on his idiocy.
Shut your damn mouth and be glad everyone is safe.
Good decision captain, safety is always number one priority at sea , one ounce of prevention is better than a thousand pounds of cure .
The cause of the problem is due to Narrow Channel, if you want to blame the government blame them for not spending enough of our own money to widen the breath of the Channel thus increasing the comfortability of passage of vessels and increasing the overall birthing process of all ships.
Ppl just need to start thinking clearly (logically) and stopping pointing fingers on the so called leaders and learn to handle their own business. Clearly the people should realize by now with their real eyes and common sense that we can’t depend or rely on these so called public servants for anything and that we need to make a stand for ourselves and the future of our land and people. It’s obvious that the Seeds of the responsibilities they hold are corrupting their logical thinking pattern in anything they do influencing their greed, ego and lust for material gains thus everything they do is a disaster. No proper care and thinking in preparation for the long term goal was implemented for the benefit of the land and people since they’re only in charge of power for the maximum term duration. Thus enabling themselves with richness is their only and primary objective and purpose for the term duration and dust off their asses afterwards when their done since it’s all being done in the so called name of an artificial person holding sovereign immunity belonging only to living breathing spiritual Man or Woman that acknowledges the Supremacy of GD/Gad/Gawd.
Awesome! Great decision! Learnedd something new today!
Aboard a ship,the Captain has the final word. A no brainer. This decision is not a Government decision. Had the Captain made the wromg decision, especially if imfluenced by The PM or Minister of Tourism, the dock and the ship could have suffered comsiderable, if not irrpearable, damage. Bravo Captain McCue.
Accountability on display here at its very best and a tremendous lesson for us who knew nothing about the challenges that captains have to endure in berthing a vessel in Port. Clearly safety of vessel and passengers was paramount and the captain used her experience and knowledge in coming up with what according to her is the best option. I salute you Captain.
I like this Captain, putting the safety of the passengers and crew first.
🎶” Captain … Your Ship Ain’t Sinking” 🎶
🎶” Captain You Are In Control”🎶
🎶” Katieee … I Salute Youuu Wouuu”🎶
🎤Wheeeeeel again, mek mi tell you 😁
That was not the first time a Captain of a Cruise had to make such a decision.I have seen it happened in the Bahamas and in Jamaica before. So what is the big deal?
I like that fact that the captain stated that them AND the pilot, ONE OF OUR OWN, came to a mutual, unanimous decision not to berth. Given the pilot’s experience, I am happy and proud of you, who ever you are that your prefessionalism was on point.
Captian & Pilot…… well done!
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