Figure 1. Kodiak Enterprise before the fire.

Figure 1. Kodiak Enterprise before the fire. (Source: Trident Seafoods)​

Fire aboard Fishing Vessel Kodiak Enterprise

What Happened

​On April 8, 2023, about 0300 local time, a fire was discovered on the commercial fishing vessel Kodiak Enterprise while the vessel was docked at the Trident Seafoods facility in Tacoma, Washington. The fire burned for 6 days before first responders declared it extinguished on April 14. No pollution or injuries were reported. The Kodiak Enterprise, which was declared a total loss, had an estimated value of $56.6 million. 


What We Found

We ​determined that the probable cause of the fire aboard the Kodiak Enterprise was an unknown electrical source within the dry stores room. Contributing to the risk to the onboard crewmembers and to the severity of the fire was the vessel’s inadequate fire detection and notification system, which was not designed to sound in crew accommodation spaces, and failed to wirelessly alert shoreside contacts. ​

Lessons Learned

​​In-port Fire Detection and Notification Systems

Vessel wireless monitoring and notification systems with an “in-port” setting notify operators of a potential emergency when a vessel is moored at the dock and crews are not standing a 24-hour watch. Vessel operators should test the system on a set schedule to ensure it properly notifies the recipients of the alert. When the vessel is undergoing repair work that can cause false alarms, such as hot work, crewmembers should check the fire detection and notification system to ensure it is operating following the completion of work. Additionally, crewmembers living or staying on board a vessel while it is in port should be included on the system’s designated contacts to be notified immediately in case of a fire or other emergency. 

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