Summary
KAGOSHIMA
SUMMARY
The conclusion reached in this study is that Kagoshima Harbor is not a safe harbor during the passage of an intense tropical cyclone. The key factors in reaching this conclusion are:
1. Due to the size and shape of Kagoshima Bay and surrounding land masses, the harbor provides little shelter from wind and seas. (During the period 1947-74, the highest recorded wind gust in Kagoshima was 100 kt due to Typhoon Louise (29 September 1955). This typhoon passed 30 n mi to the west of Kagoshima and contributed 5 hours of gale force winds.)
2. Wave action induced by gale force winds can be quite dangerous.
3. The holding action of the bottom in the harbor area is considered very poor under adverse weather conditions.
4. The restricted nature of the anchorage itself would give a commanding officer little reaction time in the event the anchor began to drag.
This conclusion is in full agreement with the Kagoshima Harbor authorities and the Japanese Maritime Safety Agency concerning ships that are anchored.
It is recommended that commanding officers and masters of vessels take early evasion action commensurate with operational constraints. For U. S. Navy or contracted DOD vessels, it is recommended that Sasebo or Hiroshima Bay be given priority consideration as typhoon havens. If evasion at sea is more desirable, it is recommended that the ship be placed in the Yellow Sea or Sea of Japan where effects from the typhoon will be considerably lessened.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/japan/kagoshim/text/summary.htm
