HUCKLEBERRY FINN

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Investigation report into fire published

On March 13, the German Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation presented the investigation report on the fire in the engine room of the "Huckleberry Finn" on Aug 16, 2023. The exact cause of the accident could not be determined during the investigation. However, three possible errors were identified: What is undisputed, is that the non-fully functional pneumatic remote control system caused the clutch to slip while the main engine was running. It can also be assumed that the oil from the cylinder oil lubrication system, which was extensively distributed in the area of ​​the main engine and particularly under the clutch cover, ignited due to the heat generated by the slipping clutch. During the first two inspections by the the investigators, the condition of the 'Huckleberry Finn' was acceptable, but not good. This was also communicated to the responsible inspector of the shipping company. During the course of the investigation, the shipping company remedied the deficiencies mentioned as well as various deficiencies that had not been communicated. This extensive work, the implementation of which was not mandatory, included the following points: − The cylinder oil lubrication systems of all four engines were replaced with new models. − All engines were largely resealed, and oil leaks there were stopped. The engine room floor was generally restored to good condition. − At the end of April 2024, the coupling of main engine No. 2 was completely replaced or overhauled. − The separator area was cleaned, and defective electrical connections were repaired. − Defective pressure and/or thermo-manometers were replaced. − The engine room and its adjoining spaces were completely repainted. − The engine crew's changing rooms were renovated. The Federal Bureau of Maritime Casualty Investigation considered the shipping company's measures to have improved the general safety of the 'Huckleberry Finn' to be appropriate and assumed that the shipping company's focus has been sharpened on the coupling system as a whole and that such accidents will not occur again in the future. Therefore, safety recommendations are unnecessary. Full report: https://www.bsu-bund.de/SharedDocs/pdf/DE/Unfallberichte/2025/Summarischer_Untersuchungsbericht_437_23.pdf?__blob=publicationFile&v=1

Flames and smoke emerged from funnel in Trelleborg

On Feb 11, 2025, at 10 p.m. the fire department of Trelleborg was alerted to the 'Huckleberry Finn'. People in the port had seen fire and heavy smoke coming from the ship's funnel. When the fire department arrived, they boarded the ship to investigate. After a while, it turned out to be some kind of engine problem. No fire or smoke had spread outside the ship's smoke ducts. The fire, remained isolated to the funnel and has partly burned out. Several units remained on site to ensure that the fire did not spread, until the temperature had dropoed ,After some checks, the fire department was able to leave the scene at 11.30 p.m., and the responsibility was handed over to the ship's master. No one was reported injured. Reports with photos: https://www.pppress.se/nyhet/larm-om-brand-i-farga-i-trelleborgs-hamn/ https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/skane/skorstensbrand-pa-farja-i-trelleborg https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/farja-brinner-i-hamnen-i-trelleborg

Medevac off Rostock

The lifeboat "Arkona" of the DGzRS station Warnemünde medevaced a 16 year old Swedish youth from the "Huckleberry Finn" in the night of Apr 3, 2018, who had suddenly fallen ill and was in need of immediate medical care. The lifeboat was alerted at 11.30 p.m. after the master of the "Huckleberry Finn“ had informed the MRCC in Bremen about the situation. The boat left port with an emergency doctor and two paramedics of the Injured Care Team (VVT) on board. Both ships rendezvoused 3,5 miles North of Warnemünde on Rostock roads. The lifeboat went alongside in winds of three Beaufort, and the medical team boarded the ferry through the pilot hatch. After the patient was stabilized, he was transferred aboard the "Arkona" along with his father. In the hospital on board the "Arkona" the sick boy was cared for until the land rescue service took over and transported him to a nearby hospital. The ferry meanwhile continued the voyage to Trelleborg.