Safety alert: Saltwater-damaged EVs pose vessel hazard

Safety alert: Saltwater-damaged EVs pose vessel hazard

(WASHINGTON) — Recently, Hurricane Ian caused significant damage and flooding throughout Florida and the southeastern United States. During the response and reconstitution after the hurricane, first responders encountered numerous vehicle fires involving electric vehicles (EVs) that are powered by lithium-ion batteries. Subsequent investigations have revealed that the vehicle fires resulted from exposure of the lithium-ion batteries to salt water. Many…
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Safety alert: Hidden corrosion on deck fittings

Safety alert: Hidden corrosion on deck fittings

(WASHINGTON) — A recent marine casualty that resulted in a severe injury to a crewmember on board a U.S.-flagged cargo vessel brought to light a dangerous and potentially fatal situation involving D-ring lifting points. While positioning a removable hatch cover on the vessel, three of the four D-ring securing straps failed, causing an uncontrolled snapback of the lifting sling assembly…
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Safety alert: Preventing marine fuel contamination

Safety alert: Preventing marine fuel contamination

(WASHINGTON) — A towing vessel operating in a pushing-ahead configuration experienced a loss of all propulsion while operating on the Mississippi River. The loss of propulsion occurred approximately three hours after getting underway and about 3.5 hours after receiving fuel from a shoreside facility. Fortunately, there was no significant damage to the vessel, nor injuries to crewmembers because of this…
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