On February 17, 2023, the towing vessel Desperado experienced an engine room fire while transiting Lake Salvador near mile 20 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Bayou Perot, Louisiana. The fire occurred in the engine room and could not be extinguished by the three crewmembers using portable extinguishers. The crew acted quickly, securing the vessel’s ventilation and fuel supply to the engine room before evacuating to a nearby vessel. Fortunately, no injuries or environmental damage occurred, but the vessel sustained $30,000 in damages. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated the incident and identified key factors that led to the fire, highlighting important lessons for vessel maintenance and safety.
Background and Incident Overview
The Desperado is a 59-foot-long, shallow-draft towing vessel built in 1982, primarily used to move equipment and cargo to worksites and platforms. On the day of the incident, the vessel was en route from Larose, Louisiana, to the Bayou Couba Oil Field Canal, carrying a crew of three: the captain and two deckhands. The vessel had been operating normally for about 3.5 hours when the fire alarm sounded in the wheelhouse at 1332. The captain observed smoke coming from the engine room, and the crew quickly attempted to address the situation.
The crew’s initial response was to shut down the main propulsion engines, thereby stopping the hydraulic pumps mechanically driven by the engines, which prevented further hydraulic oil from being sprayed and fueling the fire. Despite their efforts to extinguish the fire using a semi-portable dry chemical extinguisher, the crew was unable to enter the engine room due to the intense heat and smoke. After securing the engine room by closing ventilation hatches and fuel shutoff valves, the crew evacuated to a nearby vessel, Miss Jessica. About 20 minutes later, the fire had burned out, and the Desperado was anchored safely near wetlands.
Investigation Findings: Causes and Contributing Factors
The NTSB investigation determined that the fire aboard the Desperado was caused by a ruptured hydraulic hose on the portside steering pump. The rupture allowed flammable hydraulic oil to spray onto the hot exhaust manifold and turbocharger of the port main propulsion engine, which then ignited. The hydraulic hose that ruptured was found to have exceeded its minimum bend radius, a critical installation error that likely caused the hose to fail.
Further examination revealed that the hydraulic hose had been installed without proper adherence to manufacturer guidelines. Specifically, the hose exceeded its recommended bend radius, was not guided with clamps or protective fittings, and lacked a protective cover. These issues likely caused excessive stress on the hose, leading to its rupture. The investigation also noted that the hose in question was manufactured in 2018, making it unlikely that it was part of the 2022 refurbishment. However, the improper installation of the hose significantly contributed to the fire.
The investigation highlighted that while the crew responded quickly and effectively to secure the engine room and prevent further damage, the fire could have been avoided if the hydraulic system had been installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The importance of following proper maintenance and installation procedures for hydraulic systems cannot be overstated, as failure to do so can lead to catastrophic results, as seen in this incident.
Preventative Measures and Safety Recommendations
The engine room fire aboard the Desperado underscores several critical safety measures that vessel operators and maintenance personnel must prioritize to prevent similar incidents in the future:
- Adherence to Manufacturer Guidelines: It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidance on hydraulic hose installation, including respecting the minimum bend radius and using appropriate clamps and protective covers. These guidelines are designed to ensure the reliability and safety of the hydraulic system under operational stresses. Regular inspections should verify that all hoses meet these standards and that any deviations are corrected promptly.
- Routine Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance of hydraulic systems are crucial for identifying potential issues before they lead to failure. Hoses should be checked for signs of wear, such as abrasions, cracking, or deformation, and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule. Additionally, maintenance logs should be meticulously kept to ensure that all components are up to date and functioning correctly.
- Training and Awareness: Crew members and maintenance personnel must be adequately trained in the proper installation, maintenance, and inspection of hydraulic systems. This training should emphasize the importance of following manufacturer guidelines and recognizing the signs of potential hose failure. By being aware of these critical factors, crew members can take proactive steps to prevent incidents like the one aboard the Desperado.
- Emergency Response Preparedness: While the crew of the Desperado effectively managed the fire by securing the engine room and evacuating safely, the incident highlights the importance of regular emergency drills and preparedness. Vessels should be equipped with adequate firefighting equipment, and crews should be trained to respond swiftly to different types of emergencies. Regular drills can help ensure that all crew members know their roles and responsibilities during an emergency.
Legal Considerations and the Importance of Consulting a Lawyer
In incidents like the fire aboard the Desperado, there are potential legal implications that vessel owners and operators must consider. The damages resulting from the fire, even if no injuries or environmental harm occurred, can lead to significant financial and legal challenges. Understanding liability, especially in cases where maintenance or installation errors contributed to the incident, is critical.
Vessel owners should consult with a maritime lawyer to navigate the complexities of potential legal claims. A lawyer can provide guidance on liability issues, help manage insurance claims, and offer advice on compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, if the incident had resulted in environmental damage or injuries, the legal ramifications could be even more severe, making legal counsel indispensable.
In conclusion, the engine room fire aboard the Desperado offers valuable lessons in the importance of proper maintenance, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and the need for robust emergency preparedness. By implementing the recommended safety measures and seeking legal counsel when necessary, vessel operators can reduce the risk of similar incidents and protect their vessels, crews, and investments.
The experienced and aggressive vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a boating accident. There are strict and short time limits on making claims related to maritime injuries, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your rights.