Photo launched by Coast Guard exhibits Kodiak Enterprise steady at dockside following conclusion of response efforts
The unified command created in response to the hearth aboard the fishing vessel Kodiak Enterprise was stood down Friday, April 21.
The fireplace broke out aboard the catcher processor round 3.20 a.m. on the morning of Saturday, April 8, whereas the 276 foot vessel was moored at proprietor Trident Seafoods’ facility on the Hylebos Waterway in Tacoma, Wash.
Although the hearth was reported as extinguished by April 18, within the following days responders alternated between eradicating gas and pockets of water, to keep up vessel stability. All of the diesel remaining aboard the vessel was efficiently eliminated with no gas spilled or sheening noticed throughout defueling operations. Now that the air pollution menace has been mitigated, the Unified Command has stood down.
“This was a dangerous operation that could have resulted in loss of life, harm to the marine environment from the fuel onboard, or capsizing of the vessel,” stated Cmdr. Kira Moody, the Coast Guard incident commander. “On behalf of the Unified Command, I share immense gratitude and appreciation for the responders from Tacoma Fire and Resolve Marine. Their steady and professional approach made this response a success.”
“We are thankful the fuel transfer was safe and efficient, and there was no diesel released,” stated Alison Meyers, the state on scene coordinator from the Washington Department of Ecology. “I’d like to thank all the responders who put in a lot of hours during this extended incident. The coordination between all parties was key to getting this fire out and vessel defueled.”
“This has been an incredibly challenging time and we are grateful for the support and collaboration of all the agencies and parties in fighting the fire and stabilizing the vessel,” stated Joe Bundrant, the CEO of Trident Seafoods. “We also appreciate the patience of the surrounding Tacoma community throughout the incident response. The Kodiak Enterprise is more than just a fishing vessel to the Trident family, especially to her crew.”
The Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the reason for the incident. The ultimate disposition of the vessel has not been decided.
