Earlier today, the United States Coast Guard released their report on the cause of the 2010 fire aboard the Carnival Splendor,which caused the ship to lose power while at sea.
According to the official report from the United States Coast Guard, the cause of the fire was purely mechanical, but the fire was able to spread and ultimately cut the ship’s power partly due to human error. The report reads:
“The vessel suffered a major mechanical failure in the number five diesel generator, resulting in the fire. Post-casualty analysis of the event revealed that the installed Hi-Fog system for local protection was activated 15 minutes after the initial fire started. This delay was the result of a bridge watchstander resetting the fire alarm panel on the bridge.
This was a critical error which allowed the fire to spread to the overhead cables and eventually cause the loss of power. While the fire was eventually extinguished, the failure of the installed CO2 system and the poor execution of the firefighting plan contributed to the ineffectiveness of the crew’s firefighting effort. There were no injuries or fatalities as a result of this marine casualty and the vessel safely reached the port of San Diego, Calif., November 11, 2010.”
In an official statement by Carnival sent to Cruise Currents, Carnival claims they do not dispute the findings of the United States Coast Guard. Since the fire, Carnival Cruise Lines has taken the necessary steps required of them by the United States Coast Guard as well as creating new safety task forces, installing new safety training programs, and implementing a $300 million fleet-wide safety enhancement program.
Carnival concluded their statement: “Carnival Cruise Lines has maintained an excellent safety record throughout our 41-year history. All of Carnival Cruise Lines’ ships operate safely and meet or exceed all regulatory requirements. There were no injuries as a direct result of the Carnival Splendor or Triumph incidents and, at Carnival, the safety and comfort of our guests is our paramount focus.”
