Cuyahoga’s Legacy Ends After Devastating Fire
The Cuyahoga, Canada’s oldest operating vessel on the Great Lakes, faced a catastrophic engine room fire in May 2023, highlighting years of neglected maintenance. Originally built in 1943 to transport iron ore during World War II, the 620-foot bulk carrier was converted to a self-unloader in 1995. Despite a diesel conversion in 2000, the ship continued to serve the Great Lakes, transporting essential bulk cargo until its recent demise.
Fire Incident and Investigation Findings
On May 23, 2023, while navigating from Marblehead, Ohio, to Kingsville with a cargo of 11,400 metric tonnes of crushed stone, the Cuyahoga experienced a fire just three hours into its journey. The crew promptly cut off fuel to the main engine and attempted to activate the CO₂ fire suppression system. However, both remote and manual activation failed. Fortunately, the fire extinguished itself after the fuel flow was halted, allowing the vessel to anchor safely north of Pelee Island.
A subsequent investigation by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) determined that the fire was ignited by diesel fuel spraying from a disconnected fuel injection line onto hot exhaust piping. The investigation revealed that retaining clamps, which had been removed during a manifold replacement in 2021, were never reinstalled. This oversight left the fuel lines susceptible to vibration and loosening. The crew, unaware of updated specifications, had mistakenly treated recurring leaks as routine, obscuring more serious mechanical issues.
Additionally, the failure of the CO₂ suppression system was attributed to damaged release cables and improper activation procedures, which resulted in CO₂ flooding the cylinder room instead of the engine room. Although there were no injuries or environmental pollution, the engine room suffered considerable damage.
End of an Era for Cuyahoga
Following the fire, the Cuyahoga briefly returned to service but faced another fire incident in March 2024 during winter layup preparations in Ashtabula. This second fire ultimately marked the end of the vessel’s storied career. In July 2024, the Cuyahoga was towed to IMS Docks for scrapping, concluding an 80-year legacy on the Great Lakes.
The Cuyahoga’s journey from a World War II cargo ship to a vital part of the Great Lakes shipping industry is now a poignant reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and safety protocols in maritime operations.
