The National Transportation Safety Board has released its investigative report on the December 1, 2020 fire on the Master Dylan. At the time, the fishing vessel was trawling for shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico when a fire broke out on board. The crew fought the fire, but ultimately was forced to leave the vessel. At the time the boat was located 32 miles west-southwest of Port Fourchon, Louisiana.
The NTSB’s report indicated the probable cause of the incident:
The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the engine room fire on board the Master Dylan was the catastrophic failure of a diesel generator. Contributing to the spread of the fire was the location of the fuel shutoff valves within the engine room, which prevented the crew from securing them.
The report also points out the fire could have been resolved if there had been shut off valves located outside of the engine room:
Following the initiation of an engine room fire, it is imperative to remove the source of available fuel to the fire found in the fuel oil and lube oil systems. In this accident, the vessel had no remote emergency cut-off valves outside the engine room, and thus fuel to the fire could not be stopped and the vessel was eventually consumed by the flames. Vessel designers, builders, owners, and operators are encouraged to install, regularly test, and have emergency drills that incorporate remote cut-off valves for fuel and lube oil lines.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in maritime injury and wrongful death litigation in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. We have handled numerous cases involving injuries that occurred on barges. The experienced vessel accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a maritime accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.