On the subject of calm communications from engine room to bridge.
About 03:00 we got a call from downstairs asking we reduce to 2/3 speed. “We have a slight problem”.
After about an hour and no communication at all I asked the OOW if I should perhaps wander downstairs and speak to the Chief Engineer. The OOW agreed so I strolled downstairs and was greeted by all the engine room crew (both on watch and supposedly off) with faces as long as your arm but doing nothing apart from looknig glum… One of the main engines was stopped. The Chief pointed to the stopped engine and told me to look along the inboard side…
There was a con rod sticking out the side of the entablature!