Fire off Lee Stocking, Exuma, Bahamas

[Saltyhog]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Why would a flexible panel cause a fire? Internal short?

I’ve heard of this from a number of different sources. Don’t know if it’s limited to certain brands or “quality tiers” of flex panels, but is definitely happening. My understanding is that micro fractures of a cell or cells causes a localized short.

[Gary Mc]

My son and his wife are currently cruising and are presently located in Georgetown. I spoke with him a couple of days ago. He knows this guy, had meet him earlier in their travels.



My son said the guy was motoring along with ears phones on listening to music when he looked down and the cabin was full of smoke and fire. He lost everything, even his passport.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Gary Mc

My son and his wife are currently cruising and are presently located in Georgetown. I spoke with him a couple of days ago. He knows this guy, had meet him earlier in their travels.



My son said the guy was motoring along with ears phones on listening to music when he looked down and the cabin was full of smoke and fire. He lost everything, even his passport.

That makes more sense to me as he was picked up in his dinghy.
Assumption is if the dinghy was in Davits and the Bimini caught fire, then dinghy is gone too.
Although many around here tow their dinghies.

[CaptTom]

Wow, that's scary. Glad he's OK, but to lose everything that fast... Makes you think!

Originally Posted by Gary Mc

My son said the guy was motoring along with ears phones on listening to music when he looked down and the cabin was full of smoke and fire. He lost everything, even his passport.

I don't think I'll ever be comfortable blocking out ambient sounds this way. I'm in no position to suggest wearing earphones contributed to this event, but to me, hearing what's going on is pretty important, underway or anchored.

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

"Gee, honey, why don't we turn the VHF off, it's only static and nobody calls us anyway."

Yes, it's also a good reminder to maintain a radio listening watch. Somehow I think those who most need to learn from this, won't.

[Hugh17]

Other discussion forums state that this fire was caused by the flexible solar panels mounted on the Bimini.

[NahanniV]

My dock neighbor once had a flexible solar panel melt.
Even in the pale Canadian sun.

[MV Wanderlust]

Originally Posted by NahanniV

My dock neighbor once had a flexible solar panel melt.
Even in the pale Canadian sun.

Wow! He's lucky that didn't quickly escalate.