Image Credits: Alaska Marine Surveyors
Last year, an aging fish processing vessel sank just off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska, after water flooded its lower compartments. Investigators believe this incident could have been prevented if the watertight doors had been properly closed.
The Cape Douglas, an eighty-year-old commercial fishing vessel, was operating as a fish tender in Chiniak Bay on November 6, 2024, when it began to take on water. A report released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on June 13 noted that open watertight doors in the engine room and companionway allowed water to spread rapidly, exacerbating the situation.
At the time, the vessel was engaged in removing fish byproducts. The captain had opened the inlet valve to activate the deck washdown system, which sprays seawater onto the deck to help wash away waste. About fifteen minutes after starting the valve, the captain noticed water entering the lower areas of the vessel.
Despite the crew's efforts to control the flooding, they were unable to stop it. As conditions worsened, the captain and a crew member abandoned ship and climbed into a skiff that was being towed behind. Fortunately, they were later rescued by another vessel passing by.
The Cape Douglas sank with approximately 400 to 600 gallons of diesel fuel still onboard. It was never recovered and was declared a total loss, valued at $250,000. Investigators suspect that the water entered the vessel due to a malfunction in the deck washdown system, which hadn't been used or inspected in over two years. This system was likely over 25 years old, and its pipes or components may have failed when pressure was applied, leading to water intrusion in the compartments below deck.
The NTSB emphasized that maintaining watertight integrity is crucial for safe vessel operations. Bulkheads and watertight doors are designed to prevent the spread of water between compartments during a leak. In this case, investigators stated that the flooding could have been stopped or at least reduced if the watertight doors had been closed.
The report also highlighted that the Cape Douglas showed visible signs of rust and damage prior to sinking. Records indicated hull deterioration, signaling the vessel's poor overall condition. Approximately seven months before the incident, the harbormaster in Kodiak had raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the vessel.
For the full report, click on Marine Investigation Report 2522.
Reference: NTSB Disclaimer
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