News

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board have released the results of a report after the installation of an incorrect valve in a pipe to a diesel oil tank led to a fatal fire aboard a cargo vessel docked in LaPorte, Texas.

On January 8 2024, a fire broke out in the engine room aboard the cargo vessel Stride during bunkering, or fueling, operations while docked at the Barbours Cut Marine Terminal. The fire self-extinguished after crewmembers shut down all ventilation to the engine room. Two crewmembers died as a result of the fire, and one was seriously injured. Continue reading “NTSB investigation after incorrect valve starts fatal fire”

The failure of a component on the hydraulic system for on-deck fishing equipment likely led to a fire aboard a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Maine, according to the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. On August 11 last year, the fishing vessel Three Girls was fishing in the Gulf of Maine when a fire broke out in the vessel’s engine room.

The five crewmembers and a National Marine Fisheries Service observer abandoned the burning vessel and were rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard. No injuries or pollution were reported. Damage to the vessel was estimated at $1.3 million. Continue reading “NTSB investigation into fire on fishing vessel Three Girls”

Lloyd’s Register has highlighted Port State Control inspections in Asia, which have been raising deficiencies against ships where the escape trunk does not proceed all the way to the lowest level of the engine room.

Compliance with SOLAS

One of the fire safety objectives of SOLAS chapter II-2 is to “provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew”. Continue reading “Lloyd’s Register on engine room means of escape arrangements”