NTSB to Investigate Deadly Fire on Ro-Ro Vessel for Maritime Safety Improvements

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a public session on April 15 to investigate a tragic fire incident on the roll-on/roll-off ship Grande Costa d’Avorio. This fire led to the death of two firefighters in Newark, New Jersey, on July 5, 2023. The investigation revealed that local firefighters lacked training and experience in maritime fire control scenarios, highlighting gaps in emergency preparedness and response.

The incident occurred when a handle vehicle ignited, causing chaos as two firefighters got lost in thick smoke and tragically lost their lives. Preliminary findings from the coast guard’s examination noted that the local firefighters were not familiar with controlling fires on cargo ships. The Grimaldi group operated the ship at that time, which was transporting vehicles without electrical or hazardous materials along with containers.

Following the incident, the US Coast Guard initiated its own investigation and held public hearings to assess the ship’s condition, load protocols, and crew responses. As a result, Marine Safety Alert 09-23 was issued to emphasize the importance of better coordination between maritime fire response teams to prevent similar incidents in the future. The investigation also highlighted the need for enhanced training and resources for high-pressure maritime emergency situations.

In an upcoming session, the NTSB board will review the case, determine probable causes, and make safety recommendations to improve maritime operations. These recommendations aim to enhance safety measures and response protocols to prevent similar incidents. The reports from the NTSB and the US Coast Guard will provide valuable insights for the maritime industry and help prevent future tragedies.

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