What happens when the draft of a vessel exceeds the water depth?

When the draft of a vessel exceeds the water depth, the vessel may run aground. The draft refers to the vertical distance between the waterline and the bottom of the hull (keel) of the vessel. If this distance is greater than the depth of the water in which the vessel is operating, the bottom of the hull can come into contact with the seabed, leading to grounding. Grounding can cause significant damage to the vessel and may also result in hazards for the surrounding environment, such as oil spills or disrupt marine life.

In safe boating practices, it is crucial to ensure that the water depth is sufficient to accommodate the vessel's draft to avoid such situations.