RMI has issued an advisory to inform that the registry is currently conducting a very serious marine casualty investigation into a multi-seafarer occupational fatality, that recently occurred on board an RMI-flagged vessel. The Ship Registry shares some preliminary findings that could be helpful in identifying potential risks and preventing similar casualties.
The vessel involved was a bulk carrier laden with coal. RMI informed that two seafarers died and two others were severely burned, following an explosion and fire in the Boatswain’s Store Room.
The Bosun’s Store Room was accessible by way of:
- two watertight doors located on the upper deck port and starboard; and
- a deck hatch located forward of the anchor windlasses through the overhead of the Bosun’s Store Room
Probable Cause
Based on the Administrator’s preliminary analysis, the likely immediate cause of the explosion and fire was methane gas leaking from the No. 1 Cargo Hold and entering the Windlass Control Room and adjacent spaces through the No. 1 Cargo Hold Forward Access Hatch. The ignition source of the explosion was likely an electric charge when a light or another electrical component was energized or some other ignition source. It is noted that the lighting, wiring, and electrical fittings were not explosion proof.
Recommendations The Administrator recommends that ship owners, ship management (Designated Persons Ashore), and Masters review the bulker’s cargo arrangements and as necessary employ appropriate risk assessment and risk mitigation measures through their Safety Management Systems such as, but not limited to: The investigation is on-going.
