Cause of Harbour Cat Fire Determined

The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) released the Marine Occurrence Report relating to the engine room fire on the passenger ferry Harbour Cat in Auckland Harbor on 16 January 2003. While the ship was proceeding from Birkenhead to Auckland, a fire was discovered in the starboard engine space. The fire was extinguished and the ship proceeded to port on its port engine. One crewmember suffered smoke inhalation.

The owner was advised to remind all crews that opening an access to investigate a fire may exacerbate the fire and appropriate caution should be exercised. In the future, such ferries should be equipped with remote fire detection and extinguishing systems. Source: HK Law