NTSB Report: Hotspur Fishing Vessel Sank in Alaska Due to Flooding

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that the fishing vessel Hotspur capsized and sank near Nunez Rocks, Alaska, due to flooded compartments below decks. The incident occurred on August 2, 2022, while the ship was passing through the Dixon Entrance and began to list to port. The captain and crew quickly abandoned ship and were rescued by nearby vessels, but the Hotspur sank within 20 minutes.

The NTSB report found that the ship’s bilge alarms, which are designed to warn of incoming water, did not sound before the list became severe, indicating that they were likely inoperable. The report emphasized the importance of automatic flood bilge alarms and recommended regular testing and adherence to best maritime practices for their maintenance. Additionally, the investigation revealed that the Hotspur had limited stability due to its load and was not subject to U.S. Coast Guard stability requirements for commercial fishing vessels, leading to minimal knowledge of the ship’s center of gravity.

As a result of the incident, the Hotspur was declared a total loss with an estimated value of $1.2 million. The full NTSB report on the findings can be found on their website.

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