TRANSIT FROM SITE 1094 TO PUNTA ARENAS
The ship had been under way less than 2 hr when the driller reported a loss of tension on the damaged LGH. The ship was slowed, and investigation revealed that the forward locking pin had failed and that the port LGH-half was moving unrestrained in the moonpool, supported only by the cross frame at its base. The surge produced by moderate swells was causing too much movement of the massive (22-ton) structure for it to be restrained. With forward motion of the ship, the movement became so violent that serious damage to the moonpool appeared imminent. For the safety of the vessel, the crew had no choice but to lower the LGH until it fell free. The retaining cross was also released, and the vessel continued at full speed into deteriorating weather.
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