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The crew of the Antarctic research and supply vessel Aurora Australis acted effectively and with initiative in extinguishing a fire discovered in the engine room, according to a report issued by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau today.
The fire broke out just after 6 am on 14 January 1999, about 100 miles south-west of Fremantle.
After the fire was put out and propulsion restored, Aurora Australis was able to return to Fremantle under its own power, with 24 crew and the 16 expeditioners who had been destined for duty in the Antarctic.
The investigation established that the cause of the fire was oil from a flanged joint spraying onto the hot surface of the engine's turbo-charger. Two of the four screws securing the flange to a fuel pump housing had failed in fatigue, while the other two had worked loose with the engine's vibration.
The investigation showed that although there was a cover over the flange to prevent just this eventuality, there was a narrow gap between the cover and the pump casing through which the oil spray could pass.
The ATSB said in its report that since an earlier fire in July 1998, the operator of the ship P&O had taken extensive measures to reduce the risk of fire and to ensure that the fire fighting systems were effective.
"The malign chance that led to this fire indicates a general problem of the connection between the fuel lines and engine components subject to significant vibration," it said.
These issue have been referred to two appropriate sub-committees within the International Maritime Organization.
Copies of the report can be obtained from the Marine Incident Investigation Unit, GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601, telephone:02 6274 6088. Reports may be down-loaded from, www.atsb.gov.au/marine/index.aspx
Media Contact: Brett Bayly (Director - Public Affairs): (02) 6274 7522
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