NTSB identifies faulty O-ring as cause of engine room fire on bulker

The second engineer observed ignited fuel dropping down from the upper deck at 23:22 on January 4, 2025. The crew responded by activating the vessel's carbon dioxide fixed fire extinguishing system and sealing the engine room.

The master notified the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, whose members arrived on board at 23:50. Shoreside firefighters entered the space after allowing for a soak time and confirmed the fire was extinguished at 00:37 on January 5.

Investigators found that an O-ring within the burner unit's oil fittings block had become, "pinched between the two modules". This misalignment prevented the seal from seating properly and allowed pressurized fuel to escape.