Probe finds crew negligence behind Kutubdia LPG tanker fire

The fire that broke out on two LPG tankers at Kutubdia anchorage last month was caused by inefficiency and negligence of the crew, a probe committee has found.
The committee ruled out any evidence of sabotage or intentional misconduct in the incident.
The Tanzania-flagged mother vessel Captain Nikolas and the receiving tanker B LPG Sophia caught fire during a ship-to-ship transfer of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in the early hours of October 13. The fire started during the sensitive operation of lighterage, where gas is transferred between ships.
A nine-member probe body, formed by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) to investigate the fire, attributed the incident to a series of operational failures.
Several members of the probe body disclosed that the report highlighted three primary reasons for the fire: the incompetence of the mother tanker’s crew, negligence in conducting the ship-to-ship operation, and improper mooring arrangements.
Led by CPA Member (Harbour and Marine) Commodore M Fazlar Rahman, the committee submitted its findings to CPA Chairman Rear Admiral SM Moniruzzaman on Thursday. However, the CPA has not yet made the report public.
Speaking to The Daily Star, Commodore Rahman said that the crew failed to act promptly when the mooring ropes began tearing one by one, eventually leading to a gas leak.
It reportedly took 25 to 30 minutes for all 12 mooring ropes to snap before the cargo discharging hosepipe was severed, but no preventive measures were taken during this time, he added.
According to the report, the improper mooring of Captain Nikolas contributed to the accident. As tidal currents intensified, the mooring ropes began to break, causing the lighter tanker B LPG Sophia to drift away, which in turn exerted pressure on the gas-discharging hose. This resulted in a forceful gas leak that quickly spread to the decks of both vessels.
The first sign of fire was detected on the deck of Captain Nikolas, which rapidly spread to B LPG Sophia. Despite warnings from the crew of B LPG Sophia, the crew of Captain Nikolas did not shut down the gas discharge operation promptly, leading to the gas leak and subsequent fire, the probe found.
The committee made three recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
First, providing proper training to gas tanker crewmembers to ensure safe ship-to-ship (STS) operations. Second, adhering strictly to a well-defined Joint Plan of Operation (JPO), in compliance with all local and international regulations, while conducting STS operations within port limits. Lastly, ensuring competent staffing, operational diligence, and proper vessel mooring during these critical operations.