Safeguarding vessels against tornadoes

These water vessels are constructed to have narrow widths in order to gain high speed; unfortunately it makes the centre of gravity structurally unstable. This gain in speed achieved at the cost of stability inevitably leads to the shift of the centre of gravity of the vessels at the time of tornadoes/nor'westers.

The following technique, if implemented, could prevent the vessels from turning sideways and save lives. The idea is that all the vessels should be equipped with a set of small canoes or similar light objects such as foam (2 or 3 on each side) stationed on top deck tied with long vertical steel rods erected from the lower deck. These objects should be constructed and installed mechanically (preferably electronically also) so that at the onset of tornados/nor'westers, the captains/sarengs of the vessels can lower the objects with ease on the water on both sides of his vessel. This technique would surely make the centre of gravity of his vessel stable. There will be an additional advantage with the use of foam which when thrown on the water would soak enough water and thus prevent the vessels from swinging sideways. I would request the proper authority, the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Science, Information and Communication Technology in particular, to take steps to implement the above technique. I hope this, if implemented, after performing some tests, could save many lives and prevent damage to property.

Dr M A Awal is Professor, Department of Physics, Jahangirnagar University.