On October 18, 2023, the Ocean Navigator, affiliated with American Queen Voyages, witnessed an explosion in its engine room while stationed at a pier in Portland, Maine. This explosion set off a fire, leading to severe burn injuries for a crew member.
The engine room’s generator was the origin point for the fire, leading directly to the explosion. The Portland Fire Department was quick on the scene, ensuring the burned crew member received initial medical care. This individual was later transported to a local hospital. Though the injuries were deemed serious, they weren’t considered life-threatening.
At the time of the accident, the ship had 128 passengers and 82 crew members on board. After the incident, a thorough evacuation was carried out, ensuring everyone’s safety. No other injuries were reported. As a precautionary measure, passengers were settled in a local hotel.
Having started its voyage in Montreal on October 10, the small cruise ship had just made its way to Portland. Built in 2001, the Ocean Navigator underwent a makeover in 2019. This incident has prompted a thorough evaluation of the ship, particularly since the engine room’s vital machinery has faced damage.
The event has drawn the attention of multiple agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, ATF, Maine State Fire authorities, Portland Fire Department, and Customs and Border Patrol. Their joint investigations aim to pinpoint the cause of the explosion and deduce the ship’s readiness for future voyages.
Efforts are being ramped up to prioritize the comfort and safety of the passengers in the wake of the incident.
