A deadly engine room fireplace aboard a cargo vessel, which claimed two lives and resulted in $12 million in whole losses, was attributable to the set up of an incorrect valve throughout routine upkeep, in response to a Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB) report.
The Incident
On January 8, 2024, at about 0331 native time, a hearth broke out within the engine room aboard the cargo vessel throughout bunkering operations whereas it was docked on the Barbours Lower Marine Terminal in LaPorte, Texas. Crewmembers shut down all air flow to the engine room, and the fireplace self-extinguished. Shoreside firefighters and the ship’s emergency groups eliminated three crewmembers from the engine management room who have been unable to flee the fireplace; two died on the scene, and one was severely injured. No air pollution was reported. The vessel was declared a constructive whole loss, valued at $12 million.
Possible Trigger
The Nationwide Transportation Security Board determines that the possible explanation for the fireplace on board the cargo vessel Stride was diesel oil cascading onto working equipment within the engine room throughout bunkering attributable to an incorrect valve kind put in right into a diesel oil tank fill line, which prevented diesel oil from filling the tank and directed it up the frequent vent line, the place it flowed from a reduce out part of the vent pipe down into the engine room. Contributing to the overfilling of the bunkering line was engine crewmembers not monitoring the degrees of the tanks being crammed aboard the vessel, as required by the bunkering process within the working firm’s security administration system.
Classes Realized
Consulting Vessel Drawings when Ordering Substitute Elements
Vessel drawings comprise piping symbols for tools akin to valve sorts, sizes, and capabilities. House owners, operators, and crews ought to fastidiously observe all parts of a vessel’s drawings and diagrams to make sure that correct spare or substitute components are ordered to keep up performance.
Making certain Ample Personnel for Bunkering Operations
Throughout bunkering operations, vessel homeowners, operators, and crews ought to guarantee sufficient personnel can be found to take frequent soundings, set up gas tank filling charges, and talk to the individual in cost, so tanks are monitored and don’t overflow.
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Supply: NTSB
