Safety issue

The fire fighters had received little training in fire fighting on board ships and had only limited experience in responding to such fires. As a result, the hatch covers were prematurely opened on 16 August to enable them to see the fire and assess the situation. Then, when they closed the hatch covers and flooded the hold with carbon dioxide, insufficient time was allowed for the carbon dioxide to extinguish the fire.

Safety Recommendation

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau advises that the Fire and Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia should consider the safety implications of this safety issue and to take action where it is considered appropriate.