Firefighters Respond To Refrigerant Leak Aboard U.S. Navy Vessel In Newport News

A hazardous materials team responded to a refrigerant leak aboard a docked U.S. Navy ship in Newport News, Virginia, on Monday evening, helping identify the source of the leak before Navy personnel took over repair work.

The incident occurred aboard a U.S. Navy vessel docked at 1201 Terminal Ave. Fire crews were dispatched at about 7:43 p.m. after receiving a report of a refrigerant leak, according to the Newport News Fire Department.

When firefighters arrived, they worked with U.S. Navy personnel to assess the situation. Officials said the Navy identified the leaking substance as R-134a refrigerant, which had escaped into a forward compartment of the vessel.

The Newport News Fire Department’s Hazardous Materials Team entered the compartment, confirmed the presence of the refrigerant and used specialized leak detection equipment to locate the leaking valve.

The team also worked with Navy personnel to improve ventilation inside the affected compartment.

After locating the source of the leak and ensuring the compartment was properly ventilated, the Hazardous Materials Team completed its response, the fire department said.

According to the fire department, Navy personnel said they would isolate the refrigeration system, repair the leaking valve and carry out the remaining mitigation work.

No injuries were reported, and authorities did not release further details about the vessel.

Reference: 13newsnow