The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an investigation report on the fire that destroyed the towboat Mary Dupre while it was under way on the Intracoastal Waterway last year.
The Incident
On June 26, 2022, about 0930 local time, a fire broke out in a stateroom on board the towing vessel Mary Dupre, which was pushing one barge of bio-diesel fuel (pyrolysis fuel oil) on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway near Freeport, Texas. Nearby Good Samaritan towing vessels retrieved the barge from the Mary Dupre, extinguished the fire, and evacuated the four crewmembers. There were no injuries, and no pollution was reported. The towing vessel was deemed a total constructive loss estimated at $1 million.
Probable cause
We determined that the probable cause of the fire aboard the towing vessel Mary Dupre was undetected cracks in the starboard muffler that allowed exhaust gases from an operating engine to escape and ignite wooden structures affixed to the common bulkhead of an accommodation space. Contributing to the extent of the fire damage was the substantial use of combustible materials in the joinery, outfitting, and furnishings in the accommodation spaces.
Lessons Learned
Inspection of Exhaust Systems
Engine and other machinery exhaust systems generate heat—which can radiate from exhaust components—and are potential ignition sources. These systems often run through tight spaces that are difficult to access and inspect and are often located near materials or equipment that obstruct entry and direct observation. It is good practice to include these areas in periodic fire safety inspections. When conducting inspections of these systems, vessel owners and operators should consider using handheld equipment—such as inspection mirrors, video equipment, or thermal imaging equipment—to detect deficiencies.
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Source: NTSB
