SOCAL Boat Fire

[Comodave]

Unfortunately in this case no one made it out of the cabin. Apparently the fire came on really fast. But even if they had more time with that escape path how many would have been able to get out through it? It only takes one person panicking to clog up the escape hatch and no more could get out.

 

[sunchaser]

Discussions on gCaptain and newspaper articles are into mentioning the fire possibly started at a dedicated charging station for cameras, video, phones and other devices where Li batteries are being used. Also the question has arisen as to on board 24/7 watch.

 

[Ski in NC]

I too wonder about the watch issue. I have crewed on boats and when anchored at night near shore, someone had to be on the bridge as a watch. Make sure anchor does not drag or any other problem. A fire would have been noticed quickly.

Seems they were anchored near shore, a rocky coast, and no one was on watch?

 

[Comodave]

I am surprised that they didn’t have an anchor watch. I think there were 6 crew on board so it would have been easily workable.