On July 6, 2022, the container ship experienced a fire alarm and smoke from cargo hold no. 4 while traveling from Port Klang to Nhava Sheva. The crew fought the fire and activated the vessel’s fire-extinguishing system. After returning to Port Klang, it was found that the smoke was from charcoal tablets hidden in a cargo container. The investigation aimed to identify causes and improve safety, not to assign blame. No safety recommendations were issued by the Marine Safety Investigation Unit (MSIU), reports MISU.
Incident Overview
On 06 July 2022, while en route from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Nhava Sheva, India, the crew of the vessel was alerted by a fire alarm. The alarm was followed by the sight of smoke emerging from cargo hold no. 4. In response, the crew quickly initiated fire-fighting measures and activated the vessel’s fixed fire-extinguishing system for the affected cargo hold.
Incident Response
Upon the crew’s efforts to control the fire, the charterers instructed the vessel to return to Port Klang. After the vessel docked and the cargo was unloaded, it was confirmed that the smoke originated from a container within cargo hold no. 4. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the container, in addition to the listed commodities, contained charcoal tablets that were not documented in the cargo manifest.
Investigation Focus
In line with the Merchant Shipping (Accident and Incident Safety Investigation) Regulations, 2011, the primary objective of the safety investigation was to prevent future marine accidents by identifying the causes, contributing factors, and circumstances surrounding the incident. The investigation specifically aimed to improve safety measures and avoid similar occurrences, rather than assigning blame or determining civil or criminal liabilities.
Outcome
The Marine Safety Investigation Unit (MSIU) completed its investigation without issuing any safety recommendations. The focus of the investigation remained on understanding the incident to enhance future marine safety practices rather than on fault determination.
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Source: MISU
