Failure of fixed high expansion foam
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 July 2010
- Generated on 26 October 2025
- IMCA SF 04/10
- 1 minute read
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published the enclosed safety flash regarding the failure of a fixed high expansion foam system to extinguish a fire on board a passenger ferry.
What happened?
As part of the fire-fighting effort, the fixed total flooding system (high expansion foam) was activated but did not extinguish the fire. Although all of the foam solution in the system was deployed into the auxiliary engine room, no foam was produced. The fire burned fiercely for over one hour before it was extinguished by the ship’s crew. There were no injuries.
The full report may be viewed here.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.