Fire on Board the Liberian Passenger Ship Ecstasy, Miami, Florida ...

76 Marine Accident ReportConclusionsFindings1. Although the Ecstasy’s mooring deck sustained the heaviest fire damage, it was notthe point of origin for the fire.2. The fire on board the Ecstasy started in the main laundry and was ignited by an arcfrom a welding machine.3. The fitters’ (welders’) lack of full compliance with the “hot work” permit proceduresin Carnival Cruise Lines’ safety management system manual increased the risks offire in the main laundry.4. The lint that accumulated in the ventilation duct of the main laundry created a seriousfire hazard on the Ecstasy.5. The procedures and standards for inspecting and maintaining laundry ventilationsystems adopted by the marine industry and government agencies following theEcstasy fire will improve safety on cruise ships.6. If an automatic fire suppression system had been installed on the mooring deck, thefire on the Ecstasy would have been located and extinguished much sooner, therebyminimizing the extent of fire damage on the vessel and aft mooring deck.7. The vessel’s automatic fire sprinkler system effectively limited the spread of fire fromthe mooring station to adjoining decks, thereby preventing a significantly worse firethat would have caused greater damage and perhaps additional injuries.8. If the main laundry’s fire dampers had been equipped with a passive means ofclosure, such as a fusible link, the heat from the fire would have caused the dampersto shut sooner, which, in turn, might have prevented the spread of fire beyond thelaundry area.9. The fire detection system performed properly by providing an early indicator of a fire.10. Although most survey respondents indicated that the Ecstasy practice drill adequatelyprepared them for the actual fire emergency, the drill lacked information about actionsto take if you see smoke or if your muster station is unavailable that might haveassisted passengers who encountered conditions or situations contrary to those duringthe drill.11. Although the noise from the news helicopters may have interfered somewhat with thecommunications with passengers on the outside deck, crewmembers were able toeffectively communicate with the mustered people and manage the emergency.