What Crew Members Say About One-Manhattan

The tragic explosion aboard the "Manhattan Bridge" that led to the death of crew member Celso Banas may remain an enigma forever, as revealed in an inquest conducted on February 6, 2019. Banas, aged 35, lost his life while the vessel was docked at Felixstowe, Suffolk, on January 19, 2017. Following a detailed inquiry, an Ipswich jury presented a narrative conclusion but was unable to determine the exact reason for unburned fuel entering the auxiliary boiler furnace, which triggered the catastrophic blast. Suffolk coroner Nigel Parsley highlighted that the ship's owner and burner manufacturer have since implemented significant safety modifications to prevent similar incidents in the future. He noted that had these changes not been initiated post-incident, he would have enforced them through his coroner powers to safeguard other lives. After two hours of deliberation on the third day of the inquest, the jury concluded that Banas succumbed to injuries resulting from the explosion in the auxiliary boiler. However, the definitive cause of the explosive event remains untraceable based on the evidence presented. Two engineering specialists provided insights during the proceedings, agreeing that the root of the issue lay in the poor combustion leading to the unburned fuel entering the furnace. One expert attributed the lack of effective burning to a waxy oil buildup that inhibited fuel flow, while the other suggested that undetected drops in oil pressure contributed to the problem. The court learned that the waxy buildup was exacerbated by colder weather conditions, although a chemical additive could potentially mitigate such issues. Chief engineer Marrano Mulunao explained that the additive had not been utilized since the ship had never faced similar problems in the past. In response to the incident, K Line Shipping Europe, the vessel's owner, has implemented enhanced training for its staff and recalibrated the oil pressure alarms to ensure increased sensitivity. Likewise, burner manufacturer Sunflame has revised its display units and updated alarm reset procedures to bolster safety measures aboard maritime vessels.

A devastating explosion in the boiler room of the MANHATTAN BRIDGE at the Port of Felixstowe has resulted in the tragic loss of a sailor's life and left another with severe burns. Celso Banas, a 35-year-old Filipino national, was fatally injured on January 19 while engaged in essential operations aboard the vessel. An inquest opened earlier this year revealed that the blast was caused by a steam explosion, which resulted in debris striking Mr. Banas, ultimately leading to his death. The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has since released safety recommendations following an independent investigation into the incident. The inquiry disclosed that at the time of the explosion, Mr. Banas and the second engineer of the Japan-registered Manhattan Bridge were addressing a boiler flame failure alarm. Tragically, Mr. Banas sustained life-threatening injuries and passed away shortly after the incident. Meanwhile, the second engineer endured burns to his arm and face, necessitating skin grafts for recovery. An investigation into the accident site indicated that the boiler’s fuel source had been altered from heavy fuel oil to marine gas oil in order to adhere to stricter international emissions regulations. MAIB's findings pointed out that an examination of the boiler's fuel system uncovered a concerning accumulation of 'waxy deposits' which were substantial enough to interfere with fuel flow. Furthermore, the MAIB noted rising complaints regarding engine performance issues in colder waters, a potential consequence of the stringent new sulphur emissions limits put into effect. This incident highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety protocols and fuel management practices in maritime operations.

A crew member involved in a catastrophic explosion aboard the container ship Manhattan Bridge is on the mend following his hospitalization for severe burns. This unfortunate incident occurred on Thursday while the vessel was docking at Felixstowe port, resulting in the loss of one life. According to a spokesperson from Suffolk police, the injured sailor is showing significant improvement in the hospital, stating, "Their condition has improved." Eyewitnesses in the vicinity reported hearing a loud blast as they passed the docks, describing it as a "massive explosion." The explosion is not being investigated as suspicious; however, Suffolk Constabulary is actively collaborating with the Marine Accident & Investigation Branch (MAIB) to examine the circumstances surrounding the event. This investigation aims to uncover details regarding what led to the boiler backfire in the engine room during the ship's docking process.