On February 17, 2023, about 1332 local time, an engine room fire occurred on the towing vessel Desperado while it was transiting Lake Salvador near mile 20 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway in Bayou Perot, Louisiana. The three crewmembers aboard were unable to extinguish the fire with portable extinguishers. They secured ventilation and fuel to the engine room and then evacuated to a Good Samaritan vessel. When a responding fire boat arrived, the fire was out. No pollution or injuries were reported. Damage to the vessel totaled $30,000.
We determined that the probable cause of the fire aboard the towing vessel Desperado was a hydraulic hose that likely exceeded its bend radius, eventually causing the hose to rupture, resulting in hydraulic oil spraying onto a hot engine exhaust manifold and turbocharger and igniting.
Following Manufacturer Guidance for Hydraulic Hose Installation
Mariners and technicians who design, install, and maintain systems should follow the manufacturer’s guidance on the minimum bend radius for a hydraulic hose. The minimum bend radius is the radius below which an object cannot (or should not) be bent. Bending or flexing a hose to a radius smaller than the minimum recommended, or subjecting a hose to tension or torque, can place excessive stress on the hose and severely reduce the ability of the hose to withstand pressure. Tight space constraints may cause a hose to bend severely around corners. A machine or cylinder extending and retracting can also bend a hose. Hoses attached to moving parts may bend more than a hose in or near a machine’s stationary position. Actions to avoid hose damage or failure include clamping a hose in place to provide support, rerouting a hose assembly by installing fittings and adapters, and using a hose with more reinforcement (two braid instead of one braid).
