Royal Canadian Navy vessel HMCS Protecteur experiences fire onboard, everyone safe

News Release

February 28, 2014 -Esquimalt, B.C. - Department of National Defence / Royal Canadian Navy

Warship was returning from operational duties in the Mid-pacific when fire was extinguished

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Protecteur was returning to its homeport of CFB Esquimalt, B.C., when a fire was extinguished in the ship’s engine room. Sailors onboard the warship put out the fire and crew members are managing the situation. Personnel sustained minor injuries but are safe and they are being treated on board.

Protecteur is presently located approximately 340 nautical miles (630 km) northeast ofPearlHarbour. The ship has limited power and a return toPearlHarbouris expected. A full assessment of the situation is being conducted to establish the extent of the damage.

Quick Facts

At 10:20 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, HMCS Protecteur contacted the Regional Joint Operations Centre (RJOC), located at Maritime Pacific Headquarters (MARPAC) at CFB Esquimalt, B.C., to report a fire onboard the vessel. The fire was in the vessel’s engine room.
All Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) sailors are trained to deal with shipboard emergencies such as fires. The crew’s professional reaction brought the situation under control.
Sailors onboard the warship put out the fire.
Personnel sustained minor injuries but are safe and they are being treated on board.
The ship is located approximately 340 Nautical Miles (630 km) northeast ofPearlHarbour.
The ship has limited power and a return toPearlHarbouris expected.
A full assessment of the situation is being conducted to establish the extent of the damages and the impact on propulsion.
HMCS Protecteur’s Commanding Officer, Commander Jules Elbourne, is in contact with the Regional Joint Operations Centre (RJOC), located at Maritime Pacific Headquarters at CFB Esquimalt, B.C.
HMCS Protecteur was returning from operational duties in the mid-Pacific Ocean with 279 crew, 17 family members and two civilian contractors who joined the ship for the return transit. Having family members on board for the last part of a sail is a common practice with RCN ships returning from extended operations and exercises and one that family members appreciate.
MARPAC personnel are in contact with U.S. Navy personnel at Third Fleet headquarters. The U.S. Navy has sent the destroyer USS Michael Murphy, to provide assistance to Protecteur, if required.

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Contacts

Maritime Forces Pacific Public Affairs
Phone: 250-363-5789
Email: marpac@shaw.ca
After Hours: 250-888-6775 or ESQMARPACDUTYPAO@forces.gc.ca

For more information, please visit the Royal Canadian Navy or follow us @RCN_MRC @MARPAC

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Royal Canadian Navy vessel HMCS Protecteur experiences fire onboard, everyone safe

News Release

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