B SAFE Loss Prevention BSAFE INCIDENT CASE STUDY 10: FIRE IN A SHIP’S ENGINE ROOM Published: 25 August 2021 FERNANDA a 2,576GT Ro-Ro ship built in 1982 (Figure 1) was nearing the end of her voyage when a fire broke out in the engine room. Despite an early decision to deploy the ship’s fixed halon firefighting system the fire could not be extinguished and the crew had to be evacuated by helicopter. No crew members were injured. However, the fire was not finally extinguished before 8 days later and the ship was eventually declared a constructive total loss (Figure 2) . Figure 1 FERNANDA Source: Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration Figure 2 FERNANDA showing extensive fire damage on aft part. Source: Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration WHAT HAPPENED? At the time of the incident the Second Officer (2/O) was on watch on the bridge while the Second Engineer (2/E) and one rating were on watch in the engine room, as the vessel was not certified for unmanned engine room operation. At the beginning of his watch, the 2/E recorded the machinery parameters in the log book indicating that everything was per normal operations. He then carried out a maintenance procedure on the lube oil purifier. The C/E who had been on watch from 0600 – 1200, came to the machinery space to check the operation of the purifier. He then instructed the 2/E to prepare some fuel injectors for the main engine. The C/E then retired to his cabin for some rest. The 2/E went to retrieve the fuel injectors at the engine room store which was located on the aft end of the upper deck close to the machinery space entrance. Meanwhile the rating on watch with the 2/E was working in the Electrician’s Store also located on the upper deck. Figure 3 Master’s cabin and bridge deck Source: Commonwealth of Dominica Maritime Administration The Master was in his cabin when about 1250 UTC he heard the alarm from the fire detection panel and immediately went to the bridge (Figure 3) . The machinery spa