Hong Kong Marine Department has shared the findings of a serious fire accident, which took place onboard the accommodation of a Hong Kong registered bulk carrier whilst at anchorage. The investigation showed that the fire was most probably caused by a faulty electrical device or its accessories in a crew cabin, which led to a short circuit with the heat and sparks igniting the materials placed beside it.
The vessel was at anchorage, when a fire broke out in an unattended cabin of the vessel at night. A laptop computer was being charged in the cabin, and the electric source also supplied power for the lighting and refrigerator. The crew tried to put out the fire, but to no avail. All crew mustered at amidships of the vessel. The fire died down by itself about five hours later.
As a result, the accommodation on D deck and the bridge wings of the vessel were seriously damaged. There was no personal injury or oil pollution.
Action will be taken against uncoded commercially operated race yachts, the Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has warned, following the conclusion of legal proceedings against two vessels.