New Jersey Firefighters Lack Shipboard Fire Training, NTSB Finds
By Daniel Katzive (gCaptain)
In July 2023, a fire broke out on the RoRo cargo ship Grande Costa d’Avorio at Port Newark, resulting in the tragic deaths of two firefighters who lacked adequate training in responding to shipboard fires. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation into the incident and identified several key areas of concern.
The fire occurred while longshoremen were loading used vehicles for export to West Africa. The NTSB found that the firefighters became disoriented in poor visibility below decks and were trapped in tight spaces between cars, highlighting the need for better training and familiarization with shipboard environments for land-based firefighters.
One of the NTSB’s recommendations included improving firefighter training and addressing design flaws on the ship, such as a large hydraulic garage door and the use of inappropriate vehicles for loading operations. The lack of preparedness among the responding firefighters was evident during the public hearings held by the Coast Guard, where it was revealed that few had received training on shipboard fires or had experience on large vessels.
The NTSB highlighted the challenges faced by the Newark firefighters, who were not properly equipped to handle shipboard fires. The agency criticized the decision to send firefighters below decks, where they were exposed to danger and inadvertently contributed to the spread of the fire by opening sealed doors.
Investigations revealed that the fire was likely caused by an overheated transmission on a Jeep Wrangler used by longshoremen, which leaked fluid onto the engine block. The use of passenger vehicles for loading operations was deemed a violation of safety regulations.
While the ship’s crew followed established firefighting procedures, efforts were hindered by the inability to close a large hydraulic garage door, allowing toxic fumes to escape. The NTSB recommended modifications to improve safety measures on RoRo vessels and enhance training for first responders.
Despite ongoing efforts to implement recommendations, challenges remain in providing adequate training for firefighters and improving response protocols. The NTSB’s final report is awaited, along with the Coast Guard’s findings on the incident.
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