IMCA: MAIB Catastrophic engine failure and subsequent fire

The UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has published Accident Investigation Report 10/2026 into a catastrophic failure of a diesel generator engine on board the vessel Kommandor Susan.

 What happened? 

The site investigation vessel Kommandor Susan suffered a catastrophic failure of a diesel generator engine while conducting sea trials. The failure resulted in an engine room fire and a complete power blackout. The crew responded promptly, extinguishing the fire and mustering safely. The vessel lost propulsion and began drifting eastwards. Attempts to deploy anchors were unsuccessful because the anchor winches required electrical power to operate. Kommandor Susan was eventually returned to harbour with limited propulsion restored. There were no injuries.

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