Thread by @mercoglianos

1/First off, hats off to everyone for getting all the passengers off #SpiritOfNorfolk. Top-notch job by the crew and that of #VictoryRover.

Based on reports and photos, it appears that the fire started in the engine room. You can see the smoke from back aft.

@WAVY_News

2/#SpiritOfNorfolk obviously lost power as she drifted into the path of the bulker, Spar Lyra.

That ship caught a buoy on her stern and two Moran tugs, chartered by @MSCSealift to provide towing services at the base had to assist the vessel from evading the containment boom.

3/In a press briefing that afternoon, the Fed Fire Chief noted that they had adopted a defensive stance.

Due to the flooding from firefighting, and the location of the fire in the engine room, they were not permitting personal on board due to risk.

wavy.com/news/local-new…

4/The point of concern was the statement to ventilate the vessel to clear the smoke. While this allows smoke out, it allows oxygen in and unless you are actively suppressing the fire, it will build and spread.

Cooling the hull and flooding did not address the base of the fire.

5/The end result is that fire appeared to have run the length of the ship. It flamed up at the bow and eventually vented through the top deck.

The fire will gut the vessel and she is probably taking water in the engine room from the heat melting water intakes; a complete loss.

6/However, the most important issue was the rescue of 106 passengers on board, mainly children and the 2 crew.

Bravo Zulu to all the mariners involved today.

7/I will be posting a video tomorrow with the latest info on What's Going On With Shipping.

youtube.com/c/WhatisGoingo…

Spirit of Norfolk & Spar Lydia:
Fire, Passengers Evacuated & Collision Averted
HEROISM IN HAMPTON ROADS!

Rescue of 108 personnel from #SpiritofNorfolk by #VictoryRover; Maneuvering of #SparLydia to avoid collision & Tugs prevent collision at Naval Base!