The refrigeration unit on this unaccompanied freight trailer carrying Jersey Royals caused last month’s fire on the ferry. (1001428)

AN ELECTRICAL fault with a trailer’s refrigeration control system and its power supply from the Commodore Clipper started last month’s blaze on the ferry, according to a preliminary report.

Fire broke out on the vessel, which was on its way from Jersey to Portsmouth, in the early hours of 16 June.

An unaccompanied refrigerated trailer unit on the vehicle deck, powered from the ship’s electrical supply, initially caught fire and the blaze spread to four other trailers before it was put out 18 hours later.

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s interim report on its preliminary findings recommends that operators of vessels carrying refrigerated trailer units should check that all cables and fittings were in good condition and that electrical protection devices would activate appropriately.

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