The master and pilot discussed the plan for unmooring and departure. They agreed the forward spring would be the last mooring rope let go and the vessel would then move stern-first into the fairway. The tug would be made fast at the stern and would assist the vessel into the centre of the river. The tug would be released once the vessel was clear of the jetty and making headway downriver. Initially, the fog had been quite thick and had delayed departure. Later, some improvement was seen so the crew began to single up the vessel's mooring lines and the pilot informed Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) that the vessel was preparing to leave the berth. At the time the tidal current was easterly 2-3kt.
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