Bulk Carrier Detained Over Engine Room Safety

The U.S. Coast Guard has detained the Malta-flagged bulk carrier Iolcos Commander after discovering substandard safety issues in the vessel’s engine room.

The 714-foot bulk carrier was detained in in Longview, Washington, on February 13, after Port State Control Officers detected the SOLAS violations.

On the evening of February 12, 2017 the Coast Guard received notification from the captain of the Iolcos Commander of an engine malfunction while getting underway from berth in Longview. The vessel attempted to start their engine to transit to Vancouver, Washington, but the crew was unsuccessful in starting the main engine and had to receive tug assistance mooring back to their berth.

Upon notification of the marine casualty, the Coast Guard’s Captain of the Port issued an order requiring the vessel to remain at berth until repairs were conducted and approved. The following morning, inspectors from the Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland went on board to assess damages. After inspectors identified several safety discrepancies they expanded the scope of the damage assessment, leading them to conduct a full safety and security exam.

Inspectors found fuel and cooling water leaking from the main engine, posing a potential fire hazard to the crew. The inspectors also found the fixed fire extinguishing system was improperly installed, causing excessive chaffing on several discharge hoses rendering the system unsafe to operate.

Crew members on board the Iolcos Commander are currently rectifying the deficiencies.