M/V Richard L. Becker and TowBoatU.S. Launch
Assist With Barge Fire in the Waters Near Freeport Bahamas
M/V Richard L. Becker got underway at about 1 A.M. on Friday March 7th to support Titan Salvage in their efforts to control a fire that broke out involving multiple shipping containers on the third cargo deck of a Crowley owned 730 foot RO/RO barge. After the crew of the Tug Patriarch identified the fire aboard the barge they had in tow, they reported the fire to the U.S. Coast Guard and began steering a course to Freeport, Bahamas. Meanwhile, Crowley subsidiary Titan Salvage was busy mobilizing firefighting efforts both in the Bahamas and back in the States. Firefighting gear was loaded on board the 96’ OSV Richard L. Becker along with 12 firefighters and support personnel. TowBoatU.S. Ft. Lauderdale’s 46’ Launch boat was also loaded with gear needed to control the fire and both vessels steamed to Freeport. These Assets joined the effort with the firefighting capable Svitzer Owl and others. Firefighters from Ft. Lauderdale based Resolve Marine Group were among those on board the Becker for this effort. Resolve’s Fire School Manager and Strike Team Leader, Cliff Charlock sent this follow-up email recapping his team’s experience on board the Becker during this effort.
“We utilized The Richard L. Becker to help us gain access to a barge on fire in the Bahamas, we used her as a platform for our firefighting equipment so that we could fight the fire and she was our command post for the first 3 days of the operation in March, 2014. I would like to extend our sincerest thanks for the professional work attitude and treatment that the crew of the Richard L. Becker provided to Resolve’s Strike Team. Our equipment was loaded without any issues and when it was time to use it, the crew was instrumental in helping set up our firefighting operations. Any problem or issue that we came across, they were able to take care of for us. The hospitality the whole crew showed us was second to none, again very professional, and they were a very polished team with excellent leadership. We were sad to see them go. Hopefully we will work together in the future on another job. Did I mention the food, not a bad meal anytime, luckily we were working hard or we would have had to go on a diet. Please pass on our thanks to the crew!”
The job wrapped up late Sunday morning as the barge was safely escorted to the Grand Bahama Shipyard after the fire was brought under control. Crew sorted through the wreckage and investigators began their search for the cause of the fire. There were no injuries reported.
Photos of the Richard L. Becker on Scene in Freeport and Alongside the Barge
