The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that debris in the lubricating oil system of a motor caused a severe engine failure and subsequent fire on the Ocean Navigator passenger ship in Portland, Maine. The incident occurred on October 18, 2023, resulting in serious injuries to a crew member and significant damage to the ship. However, all 128 passengers onboard were unharmed, and no pollution occurred.
An investigation revealed that the engine failure was a result of prolonged maintenance neglect by the ship’s crew. The lubricating oil had not been changed for over 5,000 hours, far exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended interval. Critical motor components, such as the crankshaft and fuel injector, showed damage due to the contaminated oil system. The crew’s failure to adhere to maintenance intervals ultimately caused the catastrophic mechanical failure and subsequent fire.
Despite the severity of the incident, the quick response from the crew prevented further escalation. The NTSB emphasized the importance of following manufacturer-recommended maintenance intervals to ensure safe and reliable operation of equipment. Additionally, the report highlighted the unique fire risks in engine rooms and stressed the importance of crew familiarity with onboard systems to effectively contain and suppress fires. Detailed information on the investigation can be found in the Marine Examination Report 25-13.
