Noxious Gas Kills Cruise Ship Crew

Friday, September 02, 2005 Noxious Gas Kills 3 on Cruise Ship On Friday, September 02, 2005, nineteen companies of Los Angeles Firefighters, eighteen LAFD Rescue Ambulances, two Hazardous Materials Task Forces, three Battalion Chief Officer Command Teams, one Assistant Chief Officer, and various LAFD support and investigative resources, under the direction of Deputy Chief Mario Rueda, responded to Berth 93A in San Pedro, to the “Monarch of the Seas” Cruise Ship.The first Company arrived quickly to reports of as many as 5 patients “down”. Further investigation revealed an unknown gas overcame several members of the ship’s crew, while conducting routine maintenance to the propeller shaft on the starboard side of the ship.During the maintenance operation, a large portion of pipe was removed which was responsible for releasing a gas, later determined to be Hydrogen Sulfide. Hydrogen Sulfide is a colorless gas with an offensive stench, similar to rotten eggs. It is considered to be extremely hazardous with a density 18% greater than air.Two patients were initially reported to be in cardiac arrest, and a third was later confirmed, bringing the death total to 3 fatalities. Approximately 20 additional crewmembers, out of the 850 present, were affected. All 20, consisting of 19 men and 1 woman, were treated on scene and transported to local hospitals. Among them 2 ship Physicians and 1 nurse. There were 2500 passengers on board the ship at the time of the incident, none of which were effected by the noxious fumes. All passengers were systematically assisted in their departure of the ship in a safe and orderly fashion. Several local and state agencies were called to the scene including the Coast Guard, Coroner, County Health, Port Police, Customs and LAPD to assist with the unfortunate circumstances. Submitted by Melissa Kelley, SpokewomanLos Angeles Fire Department # posted by LAFD Media and Public Relations : 9/02/2005 03:04:00 PM Comments: Post a Comment