NTSB Praises Crew’s Quick Action to Limit Fire Damage to Louisiana Towing Vessel

A ruptured hydraulic hose spraying fuel on a hot engine caused a fire aboard a towing vessel in Louisiana’s Lake Salvador, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

The fire ignited in the engine room while the partially-loaded Desperado was transiting near Bayou Perot on February 17, 2023.

The three crew members, (a captain and two deckhands) were unable to extinguish the blaze with portable extinguishers. They quickly secured ventilation and fuel to the engine room and evacuated to a nearby vessel. By the time a fire boat arrived, the fire had already been extinguished.

The captain, who also owned the vessel, had over 30 years of maritime experience. Since 2010, he had served as captain on 21 inland towing vessels similar to the Desperado. The two deckhands, each with about three months of maritime experience, had worked together with the captain since the vessel entered service in mid-November 2022.

NTSB investigators praised the crew’s prompt actions to remove the fuel and oxygen sources, which helped limit the fire damage and extinguish the flames. No pollution or injuries were reported, and the damage to the vessel was estimated at $30,000.

NTSB investigators identified issues with the installation of the hydraulic hose. Contrary to manufacturer guidance, the hose exceeded its bend radius and lacked proper clamps, fittings, or protective covering.

“Mariners and technicians who design, install, and maintain systems should follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the minimum bend radius for a hydraulic hose,” the NTSB report stated. “Bending or flexing a hose to a radius smaller than recommended, or subjecting it to tension or torque, can place excessive stress on the hose and severely reduce its ability to withstand pressure. Actions to avoid hose damage or failure include clamping a hose in place to provide support, rerouting a hose assembly with fittings and adapters, and using a hose with more reinforcement.”

Read the report: Engine Room Fire Aboard Towing Vessel

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