The U.S. Military Sealift Command (MSC) credited the “quick thinking and action” of crew members aboard the USNS Shughart for limiting the scope of a shipboard fire that started March 5 aboard the vessel in Kuwait. MSC also lauded “the able assistance from crew members from USNS Red Cloud, USNS Sisler, Cape Ducato and Cape Douglas, and the invaluable help of Kuwaiti fire fighters” in minimizing the fire’s extent.SIU members sail in the steward department aboard the Shughart, a roll-on/roll-off ship operated by Patriot Contract Services for MSC.
According to the agency, three crew members from the Shughart were treated for “minor smoke inhalation.” All of the ship’s cargo was safely delivered, but the vessel sustained serious damage – mainly to its electrical system.
MSC reported that the fire started while the Shughart was off-loading cargo for the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division. According to the news release, “Although the U.S. Coast Guard investigation continues, it appears that the fire originated in the auxiliary machinery room on the starboard side of the 950-foot large, medium speed, roll on/roll off ship midway between the water line and the main deck.
“Shughart was about 75 percent off-loaded when crew working in area of the auxiliary machinery room area smelled smoke. Upon investigation, they found thick black smoke coming from the auxiliary machinery room and used extinguishers and water hoses to tamp down what they thought was a fire and to cool the area. After about 90 minutes and with smoke still billowing, it was clear the technique was not working.
“The crew secured the engine room ventilation system and all other systems they could reach, and left the space to muster for a head count. Once all crew members were accounted for, the ship’s carbon dioxide fire fighting system was activated in the affected spaces. The system floods the area with carbon dioxide which depletes the oxygen in the space and extinguishes the fire.
“At the same time, fire fighting assistance was requested from MSC sister ships USNS Red Cloud and USNS Sisler which were off-loading in the port, as well. Ready Reserve Force ships MV Cape Douglas and MV Cape Ducato also sent members of their crew to lend a hand.
“Fire trucks from the Kuwait port offices were driven aboard Shughart and began fighting the smoke and cooling the area. Along side, tugs sprayed water on the ship's hull in an attempt to cool the metal. About six hours from the time smoke was discovered, the fire was declared to be out, and the spaces were left to cool. Stevedores worked quickly to finish off-loading the remaining cargo.
“Without warning about 12 hours later, fire flashed again. It appears that the re-flash may have come from fire in the electrical cables that penetrate the decks. Again, crew members and fire fighters sprang into action. Flames were now visible from the starboard side of the ship, the first time actual flames were seen. Smoke had been the culprit during the first battle.
“Fire fighters decided that auxiliary machinery room was the likely epicenter of the fire, and getting foam into that space was crucial to extinguishing the fire. The crew immediately went to work cutting holes through the deck above the room, and the Kuwaiti fire trucks pumped foam into the machinery room. It worked. Twenty-four hours after discovery, the fire was finally out.
“Three crew members were treated for minor smoke inhalation. The cargo had all been safely and successfully delivered, but the ship was seriously damaged.
“Electrical systems were most affected. An auxiliary diesel generator and an adjacent power pack room were destroyed. The auxiliary switchboard appears to be damaged, and electrical cabling in the fire area must be replaced, but the best news was that everyone was safe.
“Shughart will remain in Kuwait where damage assessments will continue.”
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