VICTORY II

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NTSB report into engine room fire published

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that debris in an engine’s lubrication oil system caused a serious engine failure and subsequent fire aboard the 'Ocean Navigator'. now sailing as 'Victory II', while docked in Portland, Maine, on Oct 18, 2023. When the vessel’s no. 2 auxiliary diesel generator engine sustained a mechanical failure, one crew member suffered serious injuries in the following engine room fire. The vessel, which had 128 passengers aboard at that time, sustained an estimated $2.4 million in damage. The Investigation findings revealed significant maintenance oversights. The crew had operated the engine for more than 5,000 hours without changing the lube oil, which was five times longer than the manufacturer’s recommended interval. The last complete lube oil change was performed in September 2022. Additionally, the oil filter elements, which should have been replaced after 1,000 hours of operation, had been in use for over 3,000 hours since their last replacement in May 2023. Post-incident inspection by third-party technicians uncovered extensive damage to critical engine components, including the crankshaft, main bearings, connecting rod bearings, and the no. 14 fuel injector. Further examination revealed abnormal wear on various bearings, showing signs of cavitation erosion and debris-related damage. The NTSB concluded that the engine failure resulted from debris accumulation in the engine’s lube oil system, attributing this to the crew’s failure to follow manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals. The contaminated oil system led to catastrophic mechanical damage and ultimately caused the fire when atomized lube oil ignited after being released through the engine’s ruptured crankcase. Only the crew’s quick response prevented the situation from escalating. By promptly securing the engine room ventilation and fuel sources, they successfully contained the fire, which self-extinguished. The NTSB emphasized the importance of following manufacturer maintenance schedules. The report also highlighted the particular vulnerability of engine rooms to rapidly spreading fires due to multiple fuel sources and mechanical ventilation. It stressed the importance of crew familiarity with machinery, fuel oil, lube oil, and ventilation shutoff systems to effectively contain and suppress engine room fires. Full report: https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/MIR2513.pdf

Cruise cut short following fire in Portland

After the fire following a possible explosion on Oct 18 in Portland, the 'Ocean Navigator' will not be departing Portland to travel to St. John, New Brunswick, as planned, and the vessel remained docked at the Ocean Gateway Pier. Despite the quick response to the fire, which was put out in 15 minutes, the company cancelled the rest of the trip out of concern for damage from the fire and adverse weather conditions forecast for the weekend. The vessel was carrying 128 passengers and 82 crew at the time of the fire. American Queen was making alternative travel arrangements for the passengers.

Explosion and fire in Portland

A generator exploded aboard the 'Ocean Navigator' on Oct 18, 2023, at 7.30 a.m. WEDT in the port of Portland, Maine, shortly after the ship had arrived from Halifax with 128 passengers and 82 crew members on board. One crew member suffered serious, but non life-threatening burns and had to be hospitalized after first treatment on scene. The explosion was followed by a fire. Several fire engines and tugs were deployed, and the fire has been quickly extinguished. The passengers were evacuated from board, and then waiting for the result of ship’s inspection by the fire department and the Coastguard, to be allowed back onto the ship, which was first ventilated after the fire was put out. Report with photo: https://news.dayfr.com/sport/2735662.html