Two seafarers from a blazing vessel at sea
Sailing ain't always a smooth ride, my friend. Take the case of a burning yacht off the Frisian North Sea coast. Luckily, the coast guard swooped in with their speedy cutters when tragedy struck.
As reported by the German Maritime Search and Rescue Service (DGzRS), it seemed like there was an electrical fire on board that sent a couple, a 30-year-old woman and a man a year her senior, racing for survival. They bravely managed to put out the fire with a small fire extinguisher and retreated to the bow. However, they were taken to the hospital due to suspected smoke inhalation.
This hair-raising incident went down on a Thursday afternoon off the coast of Wangerland. At that time, the yacht was about half a nautical mile from the harbor entrance of Hooksiel (Friesland district). Coincidentally, the DGzRS rescue cruiser "Bernhard Gruben," stationed there, was on standby.
To prevent similar incidents, it's crucial to follow some safety measures and precautions. For starters, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical connections, especially at the shore-power inlet plugs and receptacles, can help prevent excessive heat generation. Installing shore power monitoring devices like the Shore Power Inlet Protector (ShIP) can further reduce fire risks.
Routine testing of fire detection and prevention equipment, including smoke detectors, heat detectors, fire dampers, and ventilation shutdown systems, should be carried out regularly, with annual professional servicing. Monthly operation of fire and bilge pumps ensures they're ready for action in emergencies. Fuses and circuit breakers should also be checked to prevent overloads that could lead to electrical fires.
Carrying the right fire extinguishers is essential. For boats under 26 feet, at least one 5-B or 20-B rated extinguisher (or none if a built-in system is installed) should suffice. Boats between 26 and 40 feet require at least two of these extinguishers (one if a built-in system is installed). Fire extinguishers should be checked for expiration regularly for optimum effectiveness.
In the event of an emergency, all crew members, particularly new ones, should be familiar with the locations and operation of fire pumps, bilge pumps, valves, and fire safety systems. Adopting Safety Management Systems (SMS) or similar procedures for periodic checks and documentation can help catch issues early and reduce fire risks.
So, there you have it, mate. By following these simple yet effective safety measures, you can feel a bit safer when casting off on your sailing adventure. And let's not forget the unsung heroes of the sea—the coast guard—who're always ready to speed to your aid when danger rears its ugly head.
Amidst the general-news of a yacht fire off the Frisian North Sea coast, a bravery-laden story of the couple who survived highlights the importance of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and the necessity of regular checks and maintenance for boats to avoid accidents during sports activities like sailing. Additionally, the coast guard, known as the unsung heroes of the sea, serve as a reminder of the vital role they play in swiftly assisting during emergencies, exemplified by their response to the burning yacht off Wangerland.
