A fire broke out aboard a commercial fishing vessel docked at a marina in San Diego’s Point Loma area on the morning of Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Though no injuries were reported, the incident raises significant safety concerns for those working aboard commercial vessels, particularly regarding electrical hazards and onboard fire risks.
Fire Contained to Forward Section of Fishing Vessel
According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department (SDFRD), the fire was first reported shortly after 11:00 a.m. in the 2800 block of Garrison Street, near North Harbor Drive. The blaze originated below the decks of a 60-foot fishing vessel, near the crew quarters. Fortunately, all individuals on board were able to evacuate safely before the fire intensified.
Firefighters responded quickly to the scene, supported by harbor police boats equipped with marine firefighting hoses. Crews were able to contain the flames to the forward portion of the vessel within approximately 20 minutes. The cause of the fire was preliminarily determined to be an electrical malfunction.
Electrical Fires: A Common Maritime Hazard
Electrical systems on fishing vessels are critical to the operation of navigation equipment, refrigeration units, winches, and crew quarters—but they also pose one of the most frequent causes of onboard fires. Key contributing factors can include:
- Aging or overloaded wiring
- Improperly installed electrical components
- Lack of routine inspections or maintenance
- Corrosion in damp marine environments
When electrical systems fail, the resulting fires can spread rapidly in confined marine spaces, especially near living quarters, engine rooms, or galley areas. The Point Loma incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and regular inspection of electrical systems on commercial vessels.
Legal Rights Following Maritime Vessel Fires
Fires aboard fishing boats and other commercial vessels can quickly become life-threatening. When workers suffer injuries or loss due to onboard fires, they may have legal rights under various maritime laws, including:
- The Jones Act, if negligence played a role in the fire
- General Maritime Law, including claims for unseaworthiness
- Maintenance and Cure, ensuring medical care and financial support during recovery
Fishermen and other seafarers injured in a fire may be eligible to file a personal injury claim, and in cases involving fatalities, families may pursue a wrongful death claim.
Contact a Maritime Injury Lawyer Today
At Spagnoletti Law Firm, our maritime attorneys have deep experience representing workers injured in vessel fires, explosions, and other maritime accidents. If you or a loved one was harmed in a commercial fishing vessel incident, we can help investigate the cause and fight for the compensation you are entitled to under the law.
Contact our office today at 713-804-9306 to schedule a confidential consultation with a knowledgeable maritime personal injury attorney.