ONE MANHATTAN

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Inquest: Cause of Manhattan Bridge blast may never be known

The exact cause of an explosion which killed a crew member of the "Manhatten Bridge" may never be known, an inquest heard on Feb 6, 2019. Celso Banas, 35, died on the vessel as it docked at Felixstowe, Suffolk, on Jan 19, 2017. An inquest jury in Ipswich reached a narrative conclusion but could not pinpoint why unburned fuel had entered a boiler furnace, causing the blast. The burner manufacturer and ship owner both said they have changed safety processes since Mr Banas's death. Suffolk coroner Nigel Parsley said had they not already made changes following the death, he would have ordered them under his powers as coroner to prevent further lives being risked. The jury took two hours to reach a conclusion on the third day of the inquest, concluding that Mr Banas died from injuries received following an explosion in an auxiliary boiler. The actual cause of the explosion could not be ascertained from the available evidence. The inquest had heard from two engineering experts, who agreed that unburned fuel had got into boiler furnace because of poor combustion. But one said that insufficient burning was because of a waxy buildup of oil which stopped the fuel flowing freely, while the other said oil pressure had fallen without being detected. The court was told the waxy build-up was as a result of cold weather, but that a chemical additive could solve the problem. Chief engineer Marrano Mulunao said the additive was not used, as the ship had never experienced the build-up. K Line Shipping Europe, the owner of the ship, has since offered staff more training and recalibrated oil pressure alarms to make them more sensitive. Burner manufacturer Sunflame has changed its display units and alarm reset procedures.

Fuel safety advice issued after Manhattan Bridge container ship explosion caused death at Port of Felixstowe

Strict emission regulations have been highlighted as factors in a ship’s boiler room explosion, which claimed a sailor’s life and left another with severe burns. Celso Banas, 35 and from the Philippines, was killed while working on the MANHATTAN BRIDGE as it berthed at the Port of Felixstowe on January 19. An inquest, opened earlier this year, recorded that an explosion of steam in the boiler room led to Mr Banas being struck by debris, inflicting multiple injuries, which caused his death. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) published safety advice based on its separate investigation into the explosion yesterday. MAIB said the Japan registered Manhattan Bridge’s second engineer was investigating a boiler flame failure alarm along with Mr Banas, an engine room oiler, at the time of the blast. It said Mr Banas suffered “severe injuries” and died soon after the explosion, while the engineer suffered burns to his arm and face, which required a skin graft. The findings of an accident site investigation, prompted MAIB to publish safety advice about issues it says may be linked to the initial boiler flame failure. Leading up to the accident, MAIB said the boiler fuel supply had been switched from heavy fuel oil to marine gas oil to comply with international emissions control standards. Examinations of the boiler fuel system identified a build up of “waxy deposits” which were found sufficient to restrict fuel flow.MAIB said industry reports indicated an increase in engine performance problems in colder waters following the implementation of a “more stringent” sulphur emissions limit.

Crewman injured in fatal container ship explosion at Felixstowe port is recovering well in hospital

A crewman who suffered severe burns in an explosion on board a container ship, which killed one of his colleagues, is reported to be making good progress in hospital. The man was severely injured after a boiler backfired in the engine room of the Manhattan Bridge container ship as it was docking at Felixstowe port on Thursday. A spokesman for Suffolk police said the injured man was recovering in hospital. “Their condition has improved,” the spokesman added. At the time of the incident, residents reported hearing a “massive explosion” in the ship while passing the docks. The explosion is not being treated as suspicious. However, Suffolk Constabulary said it was continuing to investigate with representative from the Marine Accident & Investigation Branch (MAIB). http://www.eadt.co.uk/news/crewman_injured_in_fatal_container_ship_explosion_at_felixstowe_port_is_recovering_well_in_hospital_1_4860102