Maritime workers face numerous hazards, but among the most devastating are fires that break out due to mechanical failures, human error, or improper maintenance. A tragic example occurred recently when a maritime fire broke out due to the installation of an incorrect valve in its diesel oil system. This catastrophic incident resulted in the deaths of two crewmembers and serious injuries to another. Additionally, the vessel, valued at $12 million, was a total loss. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation revealed that the fire was preventable and stemmed from critical errors in maintenance and bunkering operations.
For maritime workers and their families, understanding their legal rights after such tragedies is crucial. Below, the maritime injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia provide insight into how tragic incidents like this one occur, and what maritime workers and their families can do to protect their rights.
The Fatal Maritime Fire: What Went Wrong?
A fatal maritime fire aboard the cargo vessel Stride in LaPorte, Texas, resulted from the installation of an incorrect valve in a diesel oil tank, according to an NTSB report. The fire occurred on January 8, 2024, during bunkering operations at Barbours Cut Marine Terminal. It self-extinguished after the crew shut down ventilation, but two crew members died, one was seriously injured, and the vessel was declared a total loss worth $12 million.
Investigators found that six weeks before the incident, a replacement valve was ordered for the ship’s port double bottom diesel oil (DBDO) tank. However, instead of the correct angle stop valve, an angle stop check valve was mistakenly installed, allowing diesel to flow in only one direction. During bunkering, once another tank filled to capacity, diesel oil was redirected up the common vent line and leaked from a previously sealed cut-out section, pouring into the engine room and igniting upon contact with machinery. This seemingly minor error had catastrophic consequences.
When the fuel reached capacity in another tank, the incorrect valve prevented the proper redirection of diesel oil, forcing it up the common vent line. The oil then leaked from a cut-out section of the vent pipe that had been sealed at an unknown time. The failure of the sealing materials led to a rapid and uncontrolled flow of diesel oil into the engine room, where it ignited upon exposure to operating machinery.
The fire was exacerbated by the failure of crew members to properly monitor tank levels, as required by the vessel’s safety procedures. Additionally, bunkering operations lacked the required number of engineering crew members, with only three present instead of the mandated four.
Failures in Safety Protocols
Beyond the mechanical failure, the NTSB report highlighted deficiencies in safety protocols that contributed to the severity of the maritime fire.
- Lack of Proper Monitoring – Crew members failed to monitor the diesel oil levels as required by the company’s safety management system. This oversight allowed the tanks to overfill, creating dangerous conditions that went unnoticed until it was too late.
- Insufficient Crew During Bunkering – The operating company’s safety protocols mandated at least two engineering officers and two engine ratings to be present during bunkering. However, only three crew members—two engineering officers and one engine rating—were involved at the time of the fire. This understaffing further reduced the ability to detect and prevent the fuel overflow in time.
- Unknown Vent Pipe Modification – The investigation revealed that the vent pipe had a cut-out section that had been previously sealed with flexible sealing and tape. This modification was not properly documented or repaired, making it a hidden hazard that ultimately led to the uncontrolled leak of diesel oil into the engine room.
Common Causes of Maritime Fires
Maritime fires are among the most dangerous incidents that can occur at sea, often leading to catastrophic damage, injuries, and loss of life. Several common causes contribute to these fires, including:
Electrical Failures
Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and poorly maintained electrical systems are leading causes of shipboard fires. Short circuits and sparks from exposed wires can ignite flammable materials, especially in engine rooms and crew quarters.
Engine Room Fires
The engine room is a high-risk area due to the presence of fuel, heat, and moving machinery. Leaking fuel or oil can ignite if it comes into contact with hot surfaces, such as exhaust pipes or turbochargers. Poor maintenance and lack of proper ventilation increase the risk of combustion.
Fuel and Oil Leaks
Leaks in fuel lines or storage tanks can create hazardous conditions, particularly in enclosed spaces. Vapors from these leaks are highly flammable and can be ignited by sparks, open flames, or even static electricity.
Human Error and Negligence
Improper handling of flammable materials, smoking in prohibited areas, or failure to follow safety protocols can contribute to maritime fires. Poor training and lack of awareness among crew members further increase the risk.
Cargo-Related Fires
Certain types of cargo, such as chemicals, lithium-ion batteries, and hazardous materials, are prone to combustion if improperly stored or handled. Insufficient ventilation and overheating can lead to spontaneous ignition.
Welding and Hot Work Accidents
Ship maintenance often involves welding, cutting, and grinding, which produce sparks that can ignite surrounding materials. Without proper fire safety precautions, these activities can quickly lead to large fires.
Galley Fires
Kitchens aboard ships use open flames, hot surfaces, and flammable cooking oils, making them a common source of shipboard fires. Unattended cooking, grease buildup, and malfunctioning equipment increase the fire risk.
Preventing maritime fires requires strict safety measures, regular maintenance, and thorough crew training to mitigate these risks effectively.
Legal Implications for Maritime Workers
For the families of the deceased crew members and the injured survivor, this tragedy raises serious legal questions. Maritime workers are protected under various laws, including the Jones Act and general maritime law, which provide avenues for compensation when negligence contributes to injuries or deaths at sea.
The Jones Act and Employer Liability
The Jones Act is a federal law that protects seamen who suffer injuries due to employer negligence. Under this law, maritime employers must provide a reasonably safe work environment, which includes properly maintaining equipment, following safety protocols, and ensuring adequate staffing during hazardous operations.
In this case, multiple acts of negligence contributed to the fire:
- Incorrect valve installation – The installation of the wrong valve created the conditions for the leak and subsequent fire. Proper maintenance and adherence to engineering specifications could have prevented this error.
- Failure to monitor fuel levels – The crew’s failure to follow safety procedures directly led to the fuel overflow, which initiated the fire.
- Inadequate staffing – The lack of the required number of crew members likely reduced oversight and the ability to respond quickly to the developing hazard.
Because of these failures, the families of the deceased crew members and the injured seaman may have strong claims under the Jones Act against the vessel’s operating company.
Unseaworthiness and General Maritime Law
In addition to claims under the Jones Act, maritime workers or their families may file claims based on the unseaworthiness doctrine. A vessel is considered unseaworthy if it has defective equipment or unsafe working conditions that lead to injury or death.
The incorrect valve, the undocumented vent pipe modification, and the inadequate safety measures all suggest that the Stride was not seaworthy at the time of the fire. Under general maritime law, the vessel owner may be held liable for failing to provide a seaworthy vessel, entitling victims’ families to compensation.
Wrongful Death and Survival Claims
When maritime workers lose their lives due to negligence, their families may file wrongful death claims under the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) or the Jones Act, depending on where the incident occurred. Because this fire occurred while the Stride was docked, claims under the Jones Act may be more appropriate, allowing families to seek compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Additionally, survival claims may be filed on behalf of the deceased to recover damages for pain and suffering endured before death. In this case, the crew members trapped in the engine room likely experienced extreme distress and suffering before succumbing to the fire.
Seeking Justice for Maritime Workers
The tragedy aboard the Stride is a stark reminder of the dangers maritime workers face and the importance of stringent safety measures. When preventable accidents occur due to negligence, injured workers and grieving families have the right to pursue legal action against those responsible.
At Kherkher Garcia, we have extensive experience representing maritime workers and their families in complex injury and wrongful death claims. If you or a loved one has been affected by a maritime accident, our dedicated legal team is here to help you navigate the legal process and seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact a Maritime Injury Attorney Today
Maritime injuries and deaths can leave families devastated, both emotionally and financially. You don’t have to face this challenge alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Your loved ones deserve justice, and we are here to help you achieve it. Call us today at 713-333-1030 to learn more about how we can assist you in holding negligent parties accountable for their actions. You can also request more information and a consultation by submitting our online contact form.
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