On June 25, 2025, about 1620 local time, the 34-foot-long recreational vessel Great Escape was docked at a covered mooring slip at Boatworld Marina along the western shore of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington, with no one on board. An onlooker heard an explosion and saw that the vessel was on fire. Witnesses called the local fire department, which responded several minutes later. The fire spread to the slip’s overheard structure and the wooden dock. Surrounding boats sustained minor damage. The Great Escape sank at the dock during the firefighting efforts. There were no injuries, and the pollution impact is unknown. Damages to the vessel, dock, and overhead structure are estimated at $65,000.
Our initial investigation did not identify significant transportation safety issues. We determined that additional investigation and use of resources are not warranted at this time. We have produced an investigation close-out memorandum, which can be found in our docket.
