Transport Malta reports of a fire in the accommodation of an oil tanker, leading to two fatalities, at the port of Ras Laffan, Qatar.
What happened
On the morning of 21 November 2020, whilst the oil tanker was loading cargo at the port of Ras Laffan, Qatar, a fire broke out in a cabin on B-deck of the accommodation block. The crew members immediately tried to fight the fire but were unable to do so until a shore fire team arrived. As a result of this accident, two crew members lost their lives, most probably after they suffered the effects of smoke inhalation. The damages to the vessel were limited to her accommodation.
Based on information, the the collected MSIU concluded that in all probability, the fire was caused by a fault in the cabin’s overhead light. Considering the actions taken, no recommendations have been issued by the MSIU.
Safety actions taken
Following the accident, the Company took the following safety actions, with the aim of preventing the recurrence of such accidents across its fleet of vessels:
- A report of the lessons learned was circulated (across its fleet as well as to other interested parties, such as oil majors).
- The Company revised its procedures by introducing specific guidelines to verify the use of personal electric/electronic devices and to control their use on board.
- A thorough inspection of all fixed lighting was carried out.
- Periodical inspections and testing of fixed lighting systems was inserted in the Company’s planned maintenance system.
- The Company’s newly built vessels, contracted after 01 January 2021, were required to be fitted with LED lights throughout the accommodation and a smoke detector in each cabin.
- The Company’s procedures for weekly and monthly cabin inspections were revised to include the checking of electrical equipment and connections.
- All cabins were equipped with portable flashlights.
- Warning placards were posted near each cabin door, to remind the crew to switch of all cabin lights and unplug all portable electric / electronic equipment prior to exiting the cabin.
- The Company’s procedures for safety equipment inspection and maintenance were revised to include 12 Safety actions and recommendations shall not create a presumption of blame and/or liability. functional checks on all door locks and open / close markings on all locking handles.
- Instructions placards were posted near the fire alarm system panels, which included a reminder that the alarm was not to be silenced until confirming its cause.
- The Company introduced training procedures on the use of fire alarm system panels.
- The Company launched a campaign to enhance the effectiveness of onboard emergency response and drill execution, the findings of which were used to develop an in-house training programme on emergency response.
- All officers of the vessel were required to attend a refresher training course on advanced firefighting, prior to their next employment term.
- An internal safety management system audit was conducted on board Minerva Vera.
- The Company’s analysis of the accident was introduced as a case study in the in-house incident investigation training course.
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Source: Transport Malta
