[2] Cliona had a press party including a number of RTÉ cameras embarked to do some filming for the new national broadcaster.

The resulting explosion lifted the stern of the ship out of the water and the concussion ruptured fuel oil feed pipes in the after boiler room.

Mynes had to be ordered to leave his post so he could receive medical attention for burns he had sustained in the fire fighting effort.

[citation needed] The Executive Officer, Lt. Pat O'Mahony, then entered the aft boiler room where he fought the fire for at least another thirty minutes.

The fire was eventually extinguished, despite the Marine Rescue Coordination centre dispatching an oceangoing tugboat, Clonmel to the scene to assist, Cliona was able to proceed to Haulbowline under her own steam for an investigation and repairs.