Fatality and multiple injuries: Flash fire incident onboard pipelay barge
- Safety Flash
- Published on 17 May 2019
- Generated on 2 October 2026
- IMCA SF 11/19
- 2 minute read
During pipelaying activities on a pipelay barge, Injection Moulded Polypropylene (IMPP) equipment at a coating station got stuck.
What happened?
Pipelaying activities were stopped and repair operations were started. The crew started to dismantle the machine to investigate the problem. It was discovered that the piston was stuck inside the polypropylene accumulator chamber.
Whilst trying to pull out the stuck piston, a vapour cloud blew out from the accumulator chamber. The cloud ignited, resulting in a fire in which fourteen persons were injured. The fire was extinguished by the barge crew.
After medical evacuation, one of the injured crew members subsequently died at the hospital.
What actions were taken?
- Injured personnel were treated in the barge clinic and then evacuated to the local hospital for immediate treatment and stabilisation.
- A dedicated air ambulance was organised to transfer the injured persons to specialised centres abroad within the following two days.
- An investigation team was appointed and mobilised on-site.
- The barge operations were stopped, and the barge was towed alongside.
Our Member notes that this incident is still under investigation, but confirms the following general recommendations:
- Be aware that Polypropylene should always be kept within the temperature range specified in the safety data sheet.
- Check that the IMPP equipment has a reliable integrated control system to monitor the Polypropylene accumulator chamber temperature to prevent overheating.
- Heating of the system should only be carried via the integrated control system.
- The range of repair operations that may be conducted by the user should be established in consultation with the manufacturer.
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.