CANADA – TSB Report Examines 2023 Vessel Fire Near Pelee Island

A Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation has shed light on an engine room fire that occurred aboard the bulk carrier Cuyahoga on May 23, 2023, while the vessel was travelling on Lake Erie near Pelee Island.

The Incident

The Cuyahoga had departed Marblehead, Ohio, carrying a load of crushed stone destined for Kingsville, Ontario. Nearly three hours into the voyage, a fire broke out in the engine room. The crew reacted quickly, shutting off the fuel supply and attempting to release the fixed CO₂ fire suppression system remotely. The system failed to activate. A manual attempt also malfunctioned, releasing CO₂ into the cylinder room instead of the engine room. The blaze was ultimately extinguished when the fuel supply was cut off and the engine shut down.

Investigation Findings

TSB investigators determined that the fire was caused by fuel spraying from a loosened injection line onto hot exhaust components. The retaining clamps for the fuel injection lines had not been reinstalled after an earlier repair, leaving the lines more vulnerable to vibration and leaks. Repeated minor leaks were treated as routine maintenance rather than being traced to their underlying cause.

The report also highlighted the crew’s limited access to up-to-date maintenance specifications, which contributed to deviations from manufacturer guidelines.

The failure of the CO₂ suppression system was traced to several factors:

• Remote release cables ran through the engine room and were damaged by fire.
• Manual release procedures were unclear and led to incorrect activation.
• Some components were loose or missing, preventing proper operation.

Broader Safety Concerns

The TSB emphasized that the issues uncovered—particularly surrounding fire suppression systems and emergency readiness—are not isolated to this vessel. They reflect systemic safety concerns across Canada’s marine sector that the Board has flagged in the past.

To address these recurring risks, the TSB launched a national safety issue investigation in July 2025 to assess how vessel fires are managed and to identify gaps in Canada’s preparedness for maritime emergencies.

Photo credit: Tom van der Sanden. All rights reserved.