Fire in engine room on high speed passenger ferry Stena Lynx III
Location: Off Fishguard, Wales.
Completed PE Summary: Stena Lynx III
A short summary of the accident and action taken:
| Merchant Vessel/Accident Details | |
|---|---|
| Vessel Name | Stena Lynx III |
| Registered Owner/Manager | Stena Line Ltd |
| Port of Registry | London |
| Flag | UK |
| Type | Ro-ro vehicle/passenger ferry |
| Built | 1996 |
| Classification Society | Norske Veritas |
| Construction | Aluminium alloy |
| Length Overall | 80.61m |
| Gross Tonnage | 4113 |
| Date/Time | 17/08/2004, 1442 |
| Location of Incident | Welsh coastal waters |
| Incident Type | Fire |
| Persons Onboard | 26 crew 430 passengers |
| Injuries/Fatalities | None |
| Damage/Pollution | Minor damage/None |
Synopsis
The Ro-Ro highspeed ferry, Stena Lynx III was on passage from Rosslare to Fishguard with 430 passengers and 136 vehicles onboard. At about 1520 the navigating officer noticed smoke in the starboard engine room, on bridge surveillance cameras, immediately afterwards a fire was seen on the starboard engine and the fire alarm sounded. The emergency party quickly mustered as the engine was shut down and system isolations made. The fire was quickly extinguished using first aid appliances. One crew suffered minor smoke inhalation.
On investigation it was found that an, on engine, low pressure fuel pipe had fractured because it was incorrectly fitted. The engine vibration and stresses set up in the pipe caused it to fail, spraying fuel over the hot cylinder exhaust causing ignition.
The crew dealt with the emergency in an efficient and calm manner.
Action taken
The management company, Northern Marine, has issued guidance on the correct measurement and fitting of replacement fuel pipes to ensure stresses are minimal. They have also issued instructions to uniquely identify fuel pipes to ensure they are replaced in the risk of stressing the pipe work.
The MAIB has been in contact with engine manufacturer recommending them to review their maintenance manual instructions on fitting, on engine, fuel pipes.