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LIFEBOAT DAMAGE

Here at NAUTICAL LOG we do not 'Twitter' or 'Facebook' and we do not intend to start doing so!! As a result however it is only today that we were able to independently confirm that MS "Oasis of the Seas" sustained damage to two of her lifeboats. As can be seen from photographs of MS "Oasis of the Seas" the lifeboats are exposed over the side ready for immediate launching. Usually lifeboats are set inboard on the Embarkation Deck and must be released from securing lashings known as 'gripes', swung outboard, evacuees embarked and then lowered to the waterline. The MS "Oasis of the Seas" has a different system, largely experimental for a passenger ship.

This damage apparently occurred on November 06, 2009 during her crossing from Europe. It is claimed by Royal Caribbean International (RCI) that '60 foot seas' were experienced during a storm in the region of Bay of Biscay. The international weather reports estimated the seas at 30 feet so we seafarers can adjust as necessary. The information was stated to be taken from a Twitter message - is that a Tweet ? - sent by a Senior Company Executive aboard the vessel for its transit.

As a result of the heavy weather the vessel will arrive in Port Everglades, FL on Friday morning November 13, 2009, a date generally not favoured by seafarers.

At that time it will be necessary for the lifeboats to be surveyed, tested and a USCG drill conducted prior to allowing passengers to board. It is possible that the lifeboats could be repaired by a team from the European manufacturers as Fort Lauderdale, FL has numerous boating facilities. Once this is done the lifeboats will then be surveyed, tested and again a drill conducted by USCG.

Good Watch.

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