Crane cab fire caused by fridge
- Safety Flash
- Published on 19 March 2025
- Generated on 14 November 2025
- IMCA SF 05/25
- 1 minute read
On a vessel alongside, there was a fire in the cab of a crane.
What happened?
At 03:52 the fire alarm panel on the bridge sounded, displaying an indication that fire detection within the crane cab had activated. There were no work tasks being conducted on the crane at the time of the alarm. Two team members were sent to investigate. Upon accessing the crane cab platform, the attending riggers confirmed there was a fire within the crane cab.
The fire was confined to the crane cab, which was destroyed. The incident is suspected to have originated from an electrical fault within the small refrigerator located in the cab.
During the incident, the challenge of accessing the area with firefighting equipment was identified as a significant issue.
Members may wish to check small appliances of this nature that may be left powered in an unsupervised place for long periods and identify areas where access with emergency equipment may be restricted.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 25/23
30 October 2023
-
-
IMCA SF 09/22
8 April 2022
-
IMCA SF 18/18
23 August 2018
-
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.