A Vincentian-registered vessel transporting stones went up in flames in the wee hours of Tuesday at the Gafoors Complex at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara (EBD).
The vessel Sydney Marie, bearing IMO number 7432317 and Official number 400913, is owned by Odin’s Trading of Main Street, Charlestown, St. Vincent, and is captained by 56-year-old Vincentian Richard Bynoe.
This publication was informed that the Guyana Fire Service received a report that the vessel was on fire on Tuesday at about 3:31h, and water tenders from the Diamond and Timehri Fire Stations responded to the distress call. Upon arriving at the scene, it was determined that the fire was started by an overheating generator in the forepeak of the ship. The generator was severely damaged, and a quantity of rope was completely destroyed by the fire.
The generator room that was destroyed by the fire on Tuesday
The fire fighters went into action and were able to contain the fire to one area, and, more importantly, saved the vessel from complete destruction.
The Fire Service, in a release, stated the no one was injured during the operation, but seafarers are urged to follow basic rules which would, in the end, prevent accidental fires from starting on vessels.
These rules include prohibition of open flames on ships or in cabins, such as candles, cigarettes, or incense sticks, unless they are lit in the presence of people and are extinguished before leaving; ensuring that circuit overloading is avoided at all costs; avoid carrying oil rags into cabins or accommodation areas where the possibility of accidental flames is higher; not leaving oil pans unattended in the open; following all safety procedures while performing maintenance operations like welding or gas cutting, where flammable material is involved; and having complete understanding of fire-fighting equipment and basic training.
Back in June, 60-year-old Seepersaud Persaud of River’s Town, Essequibo Coast, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam), Mark Mangal and 29-year-old Damon Dias of Sarah Johanna, EBD were killed after a vessel transporting fuel burst into flames at Friendship, EBD.
Following investigations, it was revealed that the explosion came from the engine room. A hose that was connected to the fuel pump and partially burnt-out, along with the remains of a yellow plastic bottle nearby, was found in the engine room.
The Police have said that of the control valves in the vicinity of the fuel tank, the only one which was found open was the gasoline tank valve.
The owner of the vessel disclosed that all of the valves should have been closed, and the hose must be connected to the fuel pump only when discharging fuel.
As a result, checks were made in the boat captain’s motor car, PTT 2965, and five six-gallon bottles and one five-gallon bottle with suspected gasoline were found in the trunk. It was further established that the men were pumping fuel without the owner’s permission.
