Safety Flash
USCG: fatalities in engine room fire caused by fuel spray ignition
USCG: fatalities in engine room fire caused by fuel spray ignition
- IMCA
- Safety Flash
- IMCA SF 08/15
- Evacuation, Escape and RescueHot Work and FireHydrocarbon ReleaseMachinery and Equipment
- FireHydrocarbon releaseMechanical failure
- Inspection and maintenance
- Process pipework and pipelines
- Evacuation, escape and rescueFire protection
- Marine industry
- Vessel
Summary
An IMCA flash summarises a USCG alert about a fatal engine-room fire on an older cruise ship at berth. A parted fuel-line flange released pressurised oil that ignited on exhaust or turbocharger components. Despite successful primary fire suppression, burning cables produced smoke that prevented three people escaping. The alert emphasises inspection rounds and personal exit plans.
Classifications: Fire; fire safety.
Classifications: Hydrocarbon release; hydrocarbon leak; oil and gas release.
Classifications: Mechanical failure; equipment failure.
Classifications: Inspection and maintenance; asset inspection; equipment maintenance.
Classifications: Process pipework and pipelines; process piping.
Classifications: Evacuation, escape and rescue; EER; escape and rescue.
Classifications: Fire protection; fire suppression; fire detection.
Classifications: Marine industry; shipping industry; maritime sector.
Classifications: Vessel; aboard ship; onboard vessel.
Summary
Pressurised fuel spray ignited in an engine room, and smoke prevented three people from escaping despite successful fire suppression.
IMCA SF 08/15. Themes: evacuation, escape and rescue, hot work and fire, hydrocarbon release, machinery and equipment.