Hong Kong: Lessons learned from a fatal cruiser incident

Eda Zenic -

The Marine Department of the Government of Hong Kong, on 18 October 2024, issued Notice No. 194/2024 following a tragic incident involving a locally licensed open cruiser. This vessel was discovered engulfed in flames in the waters off the eastern coast of Lamma Island. Upon arrival, fireboat crews found the cruiser stranded on a nearby beach. Despite efforts to extinguish the fire, the vessel was severely burnt and blackened.

Sadly, the vessel's coxswain was reported missing during the incident. The Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre launched a search and rescue operation to locate him. Tragically, rescuers eventually found the coxswain on board the vessel; however, he was severely charred and was confirmed dead at the scene.

Investigation Findings:

The investigation into the incident revealed several critical points:

  1. Lack of Witnesses: There were no witnesses to the fire, making it challenging to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the tragedy.
  2. Engine Malfunction: It was deduced that the outboard engine, which was powered by petrol, malfunctioned while the vessel was underway. The coxswain attempted to inspect and repair the engine by himself, without seeking help.
  3. Fire Ignition Sources: The investigation suggested that the engine may have overheated, or that sparks from the battery might have ignited petrol stored in an oil can on board. This ignition source likely spread to combustible materials on the vessel, ultimately resulting in the fire.
  4. Coxswain's Demise: During the fire, the coxswain likely suffered from severe burns and may have inhaled toxic smoke. This caused him to collapse on board, preventing him from escaping into the water in time.

Lessons Learned and Safety Recommendations:

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the Marine Department outlined several important safety measures for vessel owners and operators:

  1. Seek Prompt Assistance: It is crucial for boat operators to seek help immediately if they encounter engine problems while at sea. Prompt action can prevent minor issues from escalating into dangerous situations.
  2. Regular Maintenance: Operators should ensure that regular maintenance and repairs of engines are conducted. Proper functioning of all mechanical components is vital for the safe operation of a vessel.
  3. Safety Precautions for Fuel Storage: Adherence to safety guidelines for the storage and use of petrol is imperative to minimize fire hazards. This includes following the stipulated safety precautions in the Code of Practice for Safety Standards for Class IV Vessels.
  4. Fire Response Procedures: In the event of a fire on board:
    • Fire should be extinguished as quickly as possible, provided it is safe to do so.
    • If the fire becomes uncontrollable, evacuate immediately and seek assistance from relevant government departments.
  5. Awareness and Training: Vessel operators and crew should undergo training to improve their awareness of safety practices and emergency procedures, ensuring they are prepared to handle such situations effectively.