False alarm triggered cargo ship grounding

TSB finds critical detectors 'cannot differentiate between oil mist, water vapour, or smoke'

On August 22, 2024, the general cargo vessel Heemskerkgracht ran aground in the South Shore Canal of the St. Lawrence Seaway off Kahnawake, Quebec, after a sudden loss of propulsion. According to the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), “the main engine shut down due to the activation of a false alarm on the oil mist detector (OMD).” The vessel was anchored while awaiting assistance and was later refloated and towed to the Port of Côte-Sainte-Catherine. Fortunately, there were no injuries or pollution, but the vessel sustained minor hull damage.

The hidden risk of safety technology

Oil mist detectors are designed to prevent catastrophic engine failures by shutting down the engine if oil