200410 Cabin Fan Fire

Cabin Fan Fire
MARS Report 200410

This was caused by a portable fan which was in use in a crew member's cabin (due to the air conditioning system being on its last legs). The fan was on the desk in the cabin. Whilst the crew member was on watch on the bridge during the night, it toppled off the desk. The guard on the fan bent, stopping the blades from turning, the fan overheated and caught fire. The fire alarm was activated and the fire was quickly extinguished by portable fire extinguishers. On investigation, it was found that the plug had a 13A fuse not the 2A which was required, upon investigation all other fans (30 odd) where found to be the same and withdrawn from service until correctly rated fuses could be obtained.

The lesson here is to check the fuse rating of all equipment brought on board your vessel.