by Statmk » June 2, 2025, 6:14 pm
Know of it happening including on a warship in the 70s. Around the propeller shaft is a "shaft seal." It keeps the lubricating oil and other petroleum from leaking. Not wide on a propeller shaft. But monofilament is thin enough that it works its way in. Being functionally fiberglass, it cuts/shreds the seal and destroys it. Depending on how far it works its way along the propeller shaft, it has disabled vessels by freezing the shaft. Not a frequent occurrence but a known hazard. Not just birds are hurt when fishermen discard it in the water.
Know of it happening including on a warship in the 70s. Around the propeller shaft is a "shaft seal." It keeps the lubricating oil and other petroleum from leaking. Not wide on a propeller shaft. But monofilament is thin enough that it works its way in. Being functionally fiberglass, it cuts/shreds the seal and destroys it. Depending on how far it works its way along the propeller shaft, it has disabled vessels by freezing the shaft. Not a frequent occurrence but a known hazard. Not just birds are hurt when fishermen discard it in the water.