- A crew member’s cigarette caused a fire in the cabin, worsened by an open porthole and flammable materials.
- Emergency response was delayed due to poor communication, inadequate training, and misuse of safety equipment.
- Improved safety drills, clear communication, and better fire prevention protocols are essential.
The immediate cause of the fire was a lit cigarette that likely fell onto a highly flammable sofa in AB2’s cabin. This incident was aggravated by flammable materials, such as paper and paint thinner, which allowed the fire to spread rapidly, reports Britannia Pandi.
Contributing Factors:
Alcohol Consumption
AB2 exceeded the company’s daily alcohol limit, impairing his judgment and decision-making. This likely led to unsafe behavior, such as smoking in bed and falling asleep with a lit cigarette.
Lack of Clearly Designated Smoking Areas
The ship’s smoking policy was vague, implicitly allowing smoking in crew cabins, which posed significant risks.
Inadequate Ventilation System
The unreliable and noisy ventilation system encouraged crew members to open portholes for airflow, which inadvertently fueled the fire by supplying additional oxygen.
Ineffective Initial Response
AB2 failed to properly close the cabin door when escaping, further spreading the fire. The delay in using fire extinguishers and activating emergency systems also allowed the fire to grow uncontrollably.
Gaps in Training and Preparedness
The crew lacked proper emergency response protocols. Critical actions were not executed effectively, such as using Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) and ensuring containment by closing doors.
Falsification of Drill Records
Irregularities in conducting and documenting emergency drills reduced the crew’s preparedness, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the fire efficiently.
Delayed External Communication
The master delayed contacting the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), missing early opportunities for external assistance.
Structural and Procedural Issues
The presence of flammable materials in the cabin and improper maintenance of safety protocols further exacerbated the situation.
Lessons Learned:
- Implement a strict no-smoking policy in cabins and designate clear smoking areas onboard.
- Regularly maintain and upgrade ventilation systems to ensure reliable airflow without resorting to open portholes.
- Reinforce crew training on fire safety, emergency protocols, and the use of firefighting equipment.
- Conduct regular and accurate emergency drills, documenting them diligently to ensure readiness.
- Establish clear and prompt communication protocols for notifying external authorities during emergencies.
- Limit and monitor alcohol consumption to prevent impaired decision-making among crew members.
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Source: Britannia Pandi
