Norwegian Epic Fire
Fowl play suspected says shipyard
By Mike Grove
Following last weeks fire onboard NCL’s new cruise ship, the 153,000-ton Norwegian Epic, it has been confirmed by the St Nazaire ship yard that a French prosecutor has now been appointed to conduct a formal investigation into the blaze.
In a statement released by the shipyard, French authorities were now looking into how the fire started after an initial investigation suggested it was started deliberately, and in an area where no work was being done at the time. Furthermore, there is a belief that the vessels automatic fire extinguishing may have been tampered with. Very serious indicators indeed!
One article also indicated three separate seats of fire but I actually feel they are referring to the vessels previous fires? If three seats of fire were located then there is no question about it at all – it was arson! I for one am not aware that the fire reached such intensity that it could have jumped floors, however some reports are conflicting.
You will recall my more recent article concerning the MSDeutschland and which goes onto explain the dangers of ship fires in a little more detail.
The fire is the latest in a series of bad episodes for the vessel, with one of the Norwegian Epic’s diesel engines being replaced following an unprecedented mechanical failure during sea trials.
At the time of the fire several thousand people were onboard enjoying a family day when at around 3 p.m. local time, the fire broke out. With just over a week before she is due to be delivered to NCL this is certainly the last thing the cruise line would have wished for, more so while so many were on board. All were evacuated safely.
The ships security team initially tackled the fire and was able to contain it until further assistance came to their aid. It took 90 minutes before the family day could continue however NCL are insistent that the ship will still be delivered on time for her inaugural cruise
The Norwegian Epic is the largest cruise ship to be built here in France to date. Her first official appearance is planned for Rotterdam on 19th June and she will then cross the Atlantic from Southampton to New York where she will then be christened.
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Norwegian Epic Fire
Fowl play suspected says shipyard
By Mike Groves QGM
Cruise Bruise Security And Safety Advisor
June 12, 2010
CGI of the Norwegian Epic – let’s just hope we actually get a real picture one day!
