The preliminary results of the ongoing investigations by Bahamian authorities, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the NTSB indicate that the engine room fire on the Carnival Triumph was caused by a leak in the fuel oil return line leading to one of the ship’s two engine rooms.

The problem with such a leak is that it will “spray” a fine mist of oil out from the rupture point. Our Galveston cruise injury attorneys emphasize that the surfaces in the engine room are hot. So when the mist of oil contacts one of those surfaces it can ignite or “flash’ into a fire. Which it did.

 The Critical Importance of Properly Operating Fire Suppression Systems Aboard a Cruise Ship

Earlier reports of the cruise ship fire had indicated that an engineer monitoring conditions by video feed had noticed the fire ignite and reported it right away. All accounts so far indicate that the ship’s fire suppression systems operated promptly and properly to put out the fire. And that the crew made the correct decision in not risking another or a bigger fire by bringing the other engine room online while there was a possible fire risk. Our Galveston cruise injury attorneys note that if fire suppression systems fail or if there is a major explosion, the fire could spread too quickly to contain and bring down the entire ship.

On the Efforts of the Crew during the Horrendous Voyage

Our Galveston cruise injury attorneys point out that many passengers have praised the Triumph’s crew for their efforts during the horrendous voyage on what appears to have become a floating sewer at times. After all, the crew had to endure the same foul stench, bacterial breeding ground, and lack of air conditioning, decent food, and hygiene as the passengers. Indeed, they had to do their best to try and clean up some of this even while conditions continued to worsen.

And while the crew members were paid to work on the ship, no amount of pay can really cover that sort of work. It may be a testament to the crew’s efforts that no serious disease broke out during the horrendous voyage of the Carnival Triumph. If investigations conclude that Carnival had neglected maintenance or safety, that neglect seems to have affected the crew no less than the passengers.

More Details from the Investigation should be Forthcoming

Investigating agencies say the full investigations will take up to six months or a year. So we may learn more about the interesting details of the engine room fire and its aftermath as time goes on. Stay tuned.

Contact the Galveston Cruise Injury Attorneys at Denena Points, PC with Your Questions after a Cruise Gone Wrong has Seriously Injured You

We provide a FREE, no obligation initial legal consultation to discuss your injuries and potential eligibility for financial compensation. Call us today at 281-369-4363 or just fill out our online contact form. Put our experience and knowledge to work for your benefit.