A large car carrier traveling through the English Channel suffered an engine-room fire that caused a complete loss of propulsion, leaving the vessel adrift in one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors, reports Marine Insight.
Incident Overview
The fire broke out late one evening while the ship was en route from a major European port to its destination in the Middle East. The crew quickly activated the onboard CO₂ fire-suppression system and initiated bulkhead cooling to contain the blaze.
Although the fire was successfully extinguished, the damage left the ship without power, forcing it to drift amid dense vessel traffic in the channel.
Rescue and Towing Operation
Following the loss of propulsion, the vessel’s master reported the emergency and requested immediate assistance. A rescue tug was dispatched and reached the stricken ship early the next morning. The tug secured a tow line and began towing the vessel safely to port for inspection and repairs.
All crew members were reported safe, and there was no pollution or damage to the thousands of vehicles carried onboard.
Implications
The incident underscores persistent safety challenges in the shipping industry:
- Engine room fire risk: Fires in machinery spaces remain among the most severe threats on large car carriers, especially those carrying flammable cargo.
- Loss of propulsion: A powerless vessel in a congested area like the English Channel poses significant navigational and environmental hazards.
- Emergency preparedness: The quick mobilization of rescue assets highlights the importance of robust emergency coordination and response plans.
- Maintenance and safety management: The event renews attention on the need for preventive maintenance, regular inspections, and crew fire-response training aboard vehicle carriers.
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Source: Marine Insight
