NTSB Highlights Essential Importance of Smoke Alarms Following Fishing Vessel Blaze and Sinking

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has underscored the critical need for strategically placed smoke and fire detectors, following an investigation into a fire incident on the fishing vessel Tarka II near Tatoosh Island, Washington, in September 2024. Citing findings from Marine Investigation report 25-24, it was revealed that the Tarka II lacked any smoke or fire detection systems in its engine room—the very area were the blaze ignited. Although there was a CCTV camera installed to monitor this space from the wheelhouse, it was unfortunatly non-functional at that time.

The NTSB emphasized that having smoke and fire detectors in typically unattended areas like engine rooms is vital for early detection of fires. This proactive measure can substantially enhance response times for crew members when faced with such emergencies. the report noted that the captain only became aware of the situation after spotting smoke billowing from exhaust stacks; existing alarms located outside of the engine room and in other areas did not trigger untill he opened the door to investigate.

Upon discovering a small smoldering fire near hydraulic equipment, he promptly shut down both generator and main engine. Though, as flames grew more intense, both he and a crew member had no choice but to abandon ship into a liferaft before being rescued by U.S. Coast Guard personnel. Tragically, Tarka II sank shortly thereafter and could not be recovered for further investigation into what exactly caused this perilous incident—resulting in an estimated total loss of $460,000.

To bolster maritime safety standards moving forward, NTSB recommends that vessel operators install comprehensive fire detection systems across all potential risk zones—including galleys and machinery spaces where heat sources are prevalent. These devices should also be capable of alerting crew members throughout different sections of the vessel while undergoing regular maintainance checks to ensure they function correctly.

for those interested in delving deeper into this investigation’s findings or seeking additional insights on maritime safety practices, you can access the complete report available on NTSB’s official website.

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