Cracked fuel line results in an engine fire

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 3 July 2003
  • Generated on 4 April 2025
  • IMCA SF 08/03
  • 2 minute read

We have received a report of the following incident, whereby a vessel’s fire detection system indicated fire in the engine room. 

What happened?

Engine emergency shut down was initiated and all personnel proceeded to their relevant muster points. The fire alarm sounded and the local crew responded immediately to the fire. During this time, the mechanic had already shut down engine #1 and extinguished the fire, using the fire station’s 30kg COâ‚‚ extinguisher. The fire was extinguished without causing further damage.

The subsequent investigation noted a hairline (2mm) crack in the fuel line from the left hand fuel manifold to cylinder #3. The fuel had come into contact with heat from the exhaust manifold, where it had ignited and caused the fire.

The company involved has noted the following actions as a result of its investigation:

It was found that there was had been a lack of inspections and maintenance on this equipment. The investigation also revealed an inadequate design.

To address this problem the company instructed personnel to:

  • Examine the condition of all fuel lines daily.
  • Visually inspect clamp rubbers and general condition.
  • Check torque of connections and fuel line clamps.
  • Install double-coated fuel line on all engines.

Latest Safety Flashes:

Incidents occurring during decommissioning

IMCA has put together a summary of incidents relating to decommissioning.

Read more
LTI: rope under tension moved and hit person’s hand

A member of the crew suffered a serious hand injury when struck by a rope under tension.

Read more
Injuries during lifting operations

A member reports two separate lifting activities involving failure of lifting equipment and resulting in minor injuries to nearby personnel.

Read more
Finger injury during manual handling

An IMCA’s members’ utilities supplier in the United States reports a serious finger injury during manual handling

Read more
Acetylene gas explosion

There was a small explosion and fire when crew were working on an oxy-acetylene system.

Read more

IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.

The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.

All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.

IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.

The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.

Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.