Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Bulk carrier HERBERT C JACKSON fire : welding and torch work being done in the area was likely the cause of the fire


Bulk carrier HERBERT C JACKSON fire

June 8, 2016 at 12:06 by Mikhail Voytenko in Accidents

6/8 - Superior, Wis. Great Lakes and Seaway Shipping:


The Superior Fire Department reported that it responded to a fire on the Herbert C. Jackson in the shipyard at 1:16 p.m. Freighter was in a dry dock undergoing repowering at the time. Fire crews arrived to find dark smoke coming from several areas of the aft end of the Jackson. 


It took crews more than an hour and half get the fire under control and extinguished due to poor visibility, extremely high heat and difficult access to the area of the fire's origin, according to the Superior Fire Department. All workers were out of the boat by the time firefighters arrived. Fire crews left the scene at 4:16 p.m. The fire department reports that welding and torch work being done in the area was likely the cause of the fire.

The Superior Fire Department responded with three engines, a heavy rescue vehicle and a total of nine fighters. Lake assault boats located at the shipyards provided water supply. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to ensure that there were no environmental runoff issues.


There was no report on the extent of damages.