Kodiak Enterprise drains and defuels, but the ship’s fate is uncertain

The US Coast Guard has finished its response to the fire aboard the Kodiak Enterprise fish trawler after four days, during which time most of the combustible material aboard was consumed. Firefighting was maintained to keep it under control until firefighters were able to clear the last hotspots inside. The fate of the Kaiodak Enterprise has not been decided. It is the second Trident Seafoods vessel to suffer fire damage in two years. Last week, all diesel was successfully removed to minimize the risk of pollution.

The US Coast Guard has relinquished control of the fire aboard the Kodiak Enterprise, and the initial response is virtually complete.

The factory trawler Kodiak Enterprise caught fire on April 8 while docked at the Trident dock in Tacoma. Responders from the Tacoma Fire Department arrived at the scene and attempted to fight the blaze with a team on board, but it was aborted, and cooling water was applied to the exterior as the fire erupted.

Tacoma Fire reports that most of the combustible material on board was consumed, and the fire largely died down within four days. Firefighters went back to the ship to clear the last of the hotspots once the fire had subsided.

During the response, the ship listed because of water buildup, but a dive inspection confirmed the hull integrity below the waterline was not compromised. As a precautionary measure, the ship’s inlets were sealed off from the outside.

Salvors have since boarded the ship, removed all diesel fuel, and pumped out water bags to maintain stability. The risk of pollution has been minimized, and as a result, the Coast Guard has resigned from the task force.

The fate of the Kodiak Enterprise remains uncertain, as the fire caused severe damage to many parts of the ship, including the accommodation block and wheelhouse.

The Kodiak Enterprise is the second Trident Seafoods fishing vessel in two years to experience a fire. The Aleutian Falcon, a Trident fish processor, caught fire during maintenance work at a Tacoma shipyard in February 2021 and was declared a total loss.

Joe Bundrant, the CEO of Trident Seafoods, expressed his gratitude for the support and cooperation of all involved in fighting the fire and apologized to the surrounding Tacoma community for any inconvenience caused.

Source: News Network

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