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Steel Can Be Dangerous
By Jon Halgren
The
ship had four hatches and was in Seattle to discharge steel.
It would be completely empty when we finished. Then it would go to Canada
to load grain. Cargo to be
discharged was in #2, 3, and 4. We came back from lunch looking for gravy.
The amount of cargo could certainly make gravy.
We hoisted in a dirt box to take the junk, scrap
wood and anything else that would prevent the loading of grain. Ships crew would
do fine cleaning before the grain inspector would come out and certify the holds
were sanitary, clean and ready to hold grains for human consumption.
The first piece of armor plate was deceptively
small. It was about eight feet by
four feet and was about five inches thick. It
was at the forward end of the hatch and the swinging boom was on the aft end.
When this went to the dock a big bull would be brought in to put cargo
more under the gear.
The excitement started as the lift started to
swing. The deckman started booming
up as fast as possible. Trying to
catch the swing. He took a swing to
the side and it seemed things would be OK. As
the rectangle of steel turned, the corner hit the ships side.
We have problems in River City.
Just that fast water was rushing in to the work
area and one of the stevedores went for the ladder saying, “The ship is
sinking.” It did look bad. The puncture was to the fresh water ballast tank.
The ship was not sinking. Everyone
was safe. The damage could be
repaired.
The bilge
pumps were turned on to get the water out, we hoisted in the big bull and
finished discharge of the cargo. Cleaned the hatch, hoisted out the bull and the
dirt box and we were on our way home. Repairs
were made and the ship sailed a little late.
We did get gravy.
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