Edison Chouest Anchor Handler Towed Across the Caribbean After Fire

Updated: March 9, 2015 (Originally published March 6, 2015)

The anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHTS) Edison Chouest has arrived today in Port Fourchon after being towed by the AHTS Gulf Champion from Trinidad.

An anonymous source tells gCaptain a fuel return line failed on the vessel’s port main engine, a CAT 3616.  The resultant fire burned up the engine and both winch engines and wiring on the deck above, in addition to causing a stack fire.

According to an investigation report into the incident, the fire alarm sounded and smoke was subsequently noticed rising from the port side of the engine room by the Chief Engineer.  The fire alarm triggered the automatic shut-off of all fuel supplied to the engines and generators, which subsequently closed engine room dampers.

The report continues: “The Chief Engineer exited the engine room and closed the door. The vessel crew prepared for the fire and entered the engine room in an attempt to extinguish the fire. The Chief Engineer informed the crew the smoke was too thick, and it would be dangerous for anyone to enter the engine room. The Chief Engineer requested the Master to deploy the CO2 system. The Master gave instruction to deploy the CO2 system after it was safe to do so. The M/V Alex Chouest arrived and assisted with drift control until the M/V Max Chouest arrived to take over for them.”

Update: Details posted earlier that provided specific findings and actions were allegedly from a unrelated incident a few months ago.

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