On Wednesday morning, October 18, 2023, an explosion in the engine room of the cruise ship, Ocean Navigator, operated by American Queen Voyages, led to a fire while it was docked at a pier in Portland, Maine. One crew member sustained serious burns in the incident.
The fire originated in the engine room’s generator, causing the explosion. The immediate response by the Portland Fire Department ensured the injured crew member received prompt medical attention before being transferred to a local hospital. Though the injuries were severe, they were not deemed life-threatening.
At the time of the incident, the ship had 128 passengers and 82 crew members on board. Following the incident, all onboard were safely evacuated, and there were no other reported injuries. Evacuated guests were lodged at a local hotel.
The Ocean Navigator, which began its journey in Montreal on October 10, had just arrived in Portland. The ship, which was built in 2001 and later refurbished in 2019, is now under rigorous scrutiny. Due to the explosion and subsequent fire, key equipment in the engine room suffered damage.
Several agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, ATF, Maine State Fire authorities, Portland Fire Department, and Customs and Border Patrol, are investigating the incident. The primary goal is to determine the root cause of the explosion and to evaluate the ship’s current seaworthiness.
The incident’s aftermath saw significant efforts directed towards ensuring the safety and comfort of the ship’s passengers.