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TSB Launches Nationwide Investigation Into Vessel Fires and Emergency Response

The probe builds on findings from the 2022 Holiday Island fire to tackle systemic weaknesses in marine safety protocols.

MV Holiday Island, which was damaged by fire, was secured at Wood Islands, P.E.I. on Sunday.
The ferry MV Holiday Island is seen in this handout photo, at the entrance to the Wood Islands terminal, with the marine evacuation slides and life rafts deployed, on July 22, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - TSB, North River Fire Department (Mandatory Credit)
A fire burns aboard the MV Holiday Island near the Wood Islands, P.E.I., ferry terminal in July 2022. The Transportation Safety Board is now launching a nationwide investigation following the incident.

Overview

  • The TSB formally launched the probe in Charlottetown on July 23, broadening its focus from the MV Holiday Island incident to all Canadian vessel fires and emergency response systems.
  • Investigators will examine failures in temporary fuel-injection repairs, the activation and sealing of the carbon dioxide suppression system, and crew firefighting effectiveness identified in the Holiday Island report.
  • The board found that previous 2023 recommendations on crew emergency training and evacuation procedures were not fully implemented, leading to repeated operational gaps.
  • A post-incident review uncovered a discrepancy of 54 unreported passengers on the MV Holiday Island, highlighting flaws in passenger accounting methods.
  • The TSB plans to use its national safety issue findings to develop updated guidance on maintenance standards, firefighting equipment performance and passenger safety protocols.