The fire occurred in the engine room during bunkering operations at the Barbours Cut Marine Terminal in LaPorte, Texas, on January 8, 2024. Tragically, two crew members lost their lives, another was seriously injured, and the vessel, valued at $12 million, was completely destroyed.
Investigators discovered that an angle stop check valve, designed to allow fuel to flow in only one direction, had been mistakenly installed instead of the required angle stop valve. This installation error caused a disruption in the fuel system, resulting in a dangerous overflow of diesel fuel during the bunkering process.
The NTSB’s findings revealed that as one fuel tank reached full capacity, the incorrect valve redirected diesel oil through a common vent line rather than directing it into the intended tank. The fuel then leaked through a cut-out section in the vent pipe that had been temporarily sealed with tape, which failed to contain the flow. The leaked diesel oil spilled onto the engine room machinery, causing the fire.
Although the fire was eventually extinguished after crew members shut down the engine room’s ventilation, the flames had already spread rapidly, causing extensive damage and claiming the lives of two crew members.
The report stressed the importance of carefully reviewing vessel diagrams and specifications when ordering replacement parts during maintenance. It emphasized that even small errors in component selection can lead to disastrous consequences.
Additionally, the investigation uncovered procedural lapses that exacerbated the situation. Despite the company’s safety management system requiring monitoring of fuel tank levels during bunkering, the crew failed to do so. Furthermore, the operation was understaffed, with only three engineering crew members present instead of the required four.
In light of the findings, the NTSB has recommended that vessel owners, operators, and crews ensure proper staffing levels during bunkering operations and conduct regular tank soundings to prevent future overflow incidents.
The report underscores the critical need for strict adherence to maintenance protocols and safety procedures to avoid similar accidents in the future.
