Fuel fire injures barge crewman at Citgo facility in Tampa

The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:

 

(TAMPA, Fla.) — The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of a fire that occurred during the transfer of fuel on board a barge at 1:50 a.m. Thursday at the Citgo Bulk Storage and Distribution Facility in Tampa.

A 49-year-old man from Daly City, Calif., was on board the 592-foot barge SMT Two, operated by the Jacksonville-based company Intrepid Ship Management Inc., and was monitoring the transfer of gasoline when a fire started in a machinery space below him.

The man was able to evacuate the space but suffered burns on his hands and face. He was transferred to Tampa General Hospital by emergency medical service personnel.  His condition is unknown.  Another crewmember was able to close the space and put out the fire with installed fire-extinguishing equipment.

The SMT Two arrived from Lake Charles, La., and is carrying 75,000 barrels of jet fuel and 15,000 barrels of gasoline.

Officials from the Coast Guard, Tampa Fire and Rescue and Intrepid Ship Management are investigating the incident.