​On September 10, 2024, about 1600 local time, the commercial fishing vessel Tarka II was transiting in the Pacific Ocean about 4 miles southwest of Tatoosh Island, Washington, when the captain discovered a fire in the engine room. The two crewmembers on board did not attempt to fight the fire. They abandoned the Tarka II into a liferaft and were rescued by the US Coast Guard. The fishing vessel later sank with an estimated 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board. There were no injuries. The vessel was not recovered and considered a total loss, valued at $460,000.

​We determined that the probable cause of the fire aboard the fishing vessel Tarka II was an unknown source within the engine room.

​Effective Placement of Smoke and Fire Detectors

Installation of smoke and fire detectors in spaces that are typically uncrewed when underway, such as the engine room, allows for the earliest detection and notification of a fire, maximizing the time for operators to respond to the fire or take actions to abandon the vessel. Vessel operators can improve fire safety by installing detectors in all areas susceptible to fire (such as the engine room and galley, and spaces that contain machinery, hot exhaust tubing, and fuel sources). Additionally, the detectors should be capable of notifying crewmembers throughout the vessel of fire or smoke and be routinely checked to ensure they are in good working order.