Electric arc causes fire

An electric arc from a severed extension cable was the probable cause of a fire on the bulk carrier Almirante Storni in December 2021, the Swedish National Accident Commission (SHK) has concluded. The fire started in the timber cargo when the vessel was off Gothenburg. The SHK conclusions were based on a fire scene investigation carried out during the unloading in Skandiahamnen. A severed extension cable was found, which was likely the remains of a cable used for lighting when the ship loaded in Orrskär. The report found that the handling of the ship fire was carried out in an efficient way, given the prevailing conditions. No people were injured and no hazardous substances were released. However, there was damage to the ship as a result of the fire-extinguishing activities.