Transportation Safety Board launches investigation into 2022 P.E.I. ferry fire

A new report says failed engine repair was responsible that burned the MV Holiday Island Ferry in 2022.

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) released its investigation report alongside a recommendation regarding the fire and flooding on the Holiday Island ferry back in 2022.

According to the report, the fire broke out in the engine room of the Holiday Island ferry after a non-standard repair to the ferry’s fuel injection system failed, causing fuel to spray onto hot engine components and ignite on July 22, 2022.

“It was nonstandard in that they used, materials that were not rated for fuel use, and especially in a high pressure environment such as the injection. These were not the materials that they should have been using, but those were the materials that were available,” said Étienne Séguin-Bertrand with the TSB.

About 230 passengers had to evacuate the ship using an inflatable slide and were later ferried ashore. No injuries were reported in the fire.

“By the time they realized, you know, something was not working and they were able to release it, but it was already very late in the fire had, you know, progressed,” said Yoan Marier with the TSB.

Two days later, the ferry was towed to the Wood Islands terminal where it was declared a constructive total loss.

The Board said a key issue that was uncovered through the investigation was confusion regarding the role of the authorized representative, which is the person legally responsible for the ferry’s safety.

The investigation found the Minister of Transport held the role of authorized representative, with some responsibilities shared between Transport Canada and Northumberland Ferries Limited through a charter agreement. It was also found staff at both organizations were unsure of what that role entailed and who was ultimately responsible for carrying out those obligations.

“The lack of clarity extended into critical areas such as operations, emergency repairs, and oversight,” read the report.

“This investigation, along with others before it, has identified a lack of understanding and awareness of the roles and responsibilities of authorized representatives in the industry.”

The report also made one recommendation; Transport Canada provide comprehensive guidance for authorized representatives which outlines the full scope of their responsibilities. The recommendation also said that guidance should help authorized representatives understand and comply with applicable regulations, which the Board says will reduce the risk of vessels and crews operating without the minimum safety regulations.

The Board also noted key issues found in the investigation were not unique to the Holiday Island ferry, instead they reflect systematic safety gaps the Board says they’ve been trying to raise for decades, specifically regarding clarity of roles, accountability and emergency preparedness in the marine sector of Canada.

“This investigation adds to a growing list of vessel fires overwhelming a crew’s ability to respond, highlighting the risks and urgent need for more effective response capabilities when every second counts,” read the report.

Northumberland Ferries Limited issued a response to the report, saying they have already taken steps to improve their performance ahead of the report’s release.

“We recognize the MV Holiday incident in 2022 was difficult for our passengers who were affected. We regret the inconvenience caused, not only to the passengers, but to the communities that depend on reliable, uninterrupted service. We are grateful to our crew members who stepped up, together with the dedicated help of first responders, to ensure every passenger made it safely ashore,” read the response.

“Northumberland Ferries welcomes the findings of the TSB. We have already taken 16 corrective actions, many dating back to 2022, to improve our performance in advance of this report being completed. These actions included enhancing our emergency training, revising and updating procedures, and strengthening operational protocols. We recognize that there is still more to do and we will work with Transport Canada to ensure that the report’s findings are implemented in a timely and effective fashion.”

The Board adds they will be engaging with other marine operators, firefighting services, ports and harbours, and other key partners in hopes of building a clearer understanding of vessel fires and how they are managed.

The MV Holiday operated from 1971, first between P.E.I and N.B., then to Nova Scotia after the Confederation Bridge was opened in 1997 before it was destroyed in the fire in 2022.

The Transportation Safety Board is an independent agency which investigates air, marine, pipeline, and rail transportation occurrences with the aim of advancing transportation safety.

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