DESPERADO

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Report: Ruptured fuel hose caused fire

A ruptured hydraulic hose spraying fuel on a hot engine caused a fire aboard the 'Desperado' in Louisiana’s Lake Salvador, according to a report of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which was published on July 10, 2024, on Feb 17,2023, when the tug was transiting near Bayou Perot. The three crew members - the 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. The 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. Full report: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2418.pdf