– This is a boat with electric propulsion and significant battery capacity in the boat. The fire has been extinguished, but we are not sure about the batteries. We therefore fear a so-called “thermal runaway” on the batteries, says fire chief Per Olav Pettersen in Vestfold.
The phenomenon, which is called thermal escape in Norwegian, means that increased temperature changes the conditions so that the temperature increases even more.
On Thursday afternoon, the emergency services were notified of a fire in a catamaran that lay at sea west of the island Nordre Søster off Fredrikstad in Østfold.
There were four people on board. At 16.43, the police reported that everyone had been evacuated unharmed from the boat.
– There has been a fire on board a vessel with four people on board. They have announced a Mayday and we have received and sent out a number of resources, said rescue leader Per Hognaland at the Main Rescue Center to NRK.
The catamaran was located west of the island Nordre Søster in the Oslo Fjord.
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Has set up security zone
The catamaran MS “Brim” is a hybrid boat, which means that it can be powered by both battery and diesel. Hot running in the battery should be the cause of the fire.
On Thursday evening, it was towed to the quay on Valløy in Tønsberg where it was met by the local fire brigade. Police announced Thursday night that the fire service still had not gained control of the fire.
“The fire in the batteries has not been extinguished and the temperature in them is rising,” they wrote on Twitter.
The police decided to set up a safety limit of 300 meters from where the boat is at the quay. It was also recommended that those living nearby close the windows.
Crews from Vestfold Intermunicipal Fire Brigade are closely following the catamaran which is located at the quay in Tønsberg.
Photo: Vestfold Intermunicipal Fire Brigade
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– High explosion hazard
On Friday morning, Pettersen says that it is uncertain how long they will have such a safety zone.
– There is still a danger of explosion at the boat. It has to do with the reaction of the batteries and the build-up of gases when they react. These gases can be explosive, he says.
Both the fire service and representatives from the shipping company are in place in the area.
On Friday morning, the fire brigade advises people not to walk in the area from the fence by Vallø church to Prins Christian’s battery in Tønsberg.
– The situation is currently a bit confusing. We know where the boat is and have control over it. But we are uncertain about how the process will be in the future. This can take place for several days in the future, says Pettersen.
Tried to turn it off myself
The 24 meter long catamaran can accommodate 146 passengers. The boat is currently used by the Rescue Society to teach schoolchildren about seaworthiness, the environment and sustainability. An event had been held in Sarpsborg on Thursday, and the boat was on its way over to Sandefjord when the accident happened.
– Those who were on board were four crew members. There were no children, young people or representatives from the Rescue Company on board this boat when it then caught fire in the middle of the outer Oslo Fjord yesterday, says communications consultant Eigil Andersen to NRK.
The crew even put out the fire on board when they received help from the emergency services. There was a gale in the area when the emergency message came.
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