Executive summary
On Sunday 22 August 2004 at about 1708, the passenger ferry "Superflyte" was proceeding from Matiatia on Waiheke Island to Auckland, with 6 crew and 311 passengers on board, when a fire was discovered in the port engine room.
The master issued a distress call and all passengers were evacuated in due course to other vessels that responded to the call.
Carbon dioxide flooding was used in an attempt to extinguish the fire, but this was unsuccessful due to a fault in the system. The fire was eventually extinguished manually by the crew with assistance from the Fire Service.
Several of the passengers suffered minor abrasions and contusions during the evacuation and some suffered slight smoke inhalation. None of the passengers or crew required medical attention.
Safety issues identified included:
- the method and scope of disseminating information concerning necessary safety-critical remedial work on a specific type of engine
- the content and promulgation of instructions to be followed in case of emergency on restricted limits passenger vessels
- the need for ferry crew, as trained personnel, to provide guidance, help and support to passengers in an emergency situation
the installation and subsequent surveys of CO2 smothering equipment.
Safety recommendations were made to the Managing Director of Fullers Group Limited, the Managing Director of Dunsford Marine Limited, the Managing Director of Deutz AG, Germany, and the Director of Maritime Safety to address these issues.
Related Recommendations
In conjunction with Fullers Group Limited, include in the safe ship management manuals throughout the fleet a prepared safety briefing to be made immediately before or immediately after sailing on all company vessels to comply with the requirements of Maritime Rules Part 23 section 27.
In conjunction with Fullers Group Limited, ensure that all crews serving on the company’s ferries are aware that, when investigating a suspected or indicated fire within an enclosed space, opening the access may rapidly exacerbate the fire endangering the crew, passengers and the vessel. The procedure in the operations manual should include a caution and a reminder that where a fixed fire fighting system is installed for the engine spaces, its use should be considered as a possible safer alternative to opening the space, especially in vessels with twin-engine spaces.
In conjunction with Fullers Group Limited, amend the safe ship management manuals throughout the fleet to contain in the training of crews the necessity in an emergency situation of making passengers aware of the crew’s presence and the need for them, as trained personnel, to provide guidance, help and support to passengers.
In conjunction with the safe ship management company include in the safe ship management manuals throughout the fleet a prepared safety briefing to be made immediately before or immediately after sailing on all company vessels to comply with the requirements of Maritime Rules Part 23 section 27
In conjunction with the safe ship management company introduce the fire fighting procedures recommended in safety recommendations number 023/03 and 024/03 for all of the group’s vessels.
Ensure that the contents of all current and any future service bulletins where safe operation of engine types may be affected be promulgated by the best means possible to all known owners of the type of engine affected.
In conjunction with Fullers Group Limited, amend the safe ship management manual, section on emergency management procedures throughout the fleet to ensure in the event of an emergency that at least one member of the crew to be positioned on each passenger deck so as to be able to assist passengers
In conjunction with the safe ship management company, amend the safe ship management manuals throughout the fleet to contain in the training of crews the necessity in an emergency situation of making passengers aware of the crew’s presence and the need for them, as trained personnel, to provide guidance, help and support to passengers.
undertake a cost benefit analysis with a view to drafting an amendment to Maritime Rule Part 23, Operational Procedures and Training, for the Minister’s consideration to change the content and method of promulgation of the contents of “the instructions to be followed in the event of an emergency” for restricted limit passenger vessels. The amendment to include, at least, verbal advice of life jacket donning instructions so as to enable passengers to safely don the lifejackets carried on board
undertake a cost benefit analysis with a view to drafting an amendment to Maritime Rule Part 42A Safety Equipment – Life saving appliances, Performance, Maintenance and Servicing for the Minister’s consideration. The amendment to include a requirement for the provision of equipment to make crew members readily distinguishable from passengers in the event of an emergency.
In conjunction with the safe ship management company, amend the safe ship management manual, section on emergency management procedures throughout the fleet to ensure in the event of an emergency that at least one member of the crew to be positioned on each passenger deck so as to be able to assist passengers.
In conjunction with Fullers Group Limited, amend the emergency fire procedures for each of the groups’ ferries to better reflect the characteristics of each vessel, the use of available equipment on board and the safest possible method of fire fighting in the differing areas on board especially enclosed spaces.