NTSB Identifies Cause of Devastating Fire Aboard Fishing Vessel Spicy Lady

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released its final report detailing the cause of a significant fire that occurred on March 6, 2025, aboard the commercial fishing vessel Spicy Lady. The incident took place while the vessel was operating in Chatham Strait, approximately one mile west of Point Gardner, Alaska.

The NTSB’s investigation concluded that an undetermined source, originating from a bunk in the forward berthing area, was the probable cause of the fire. The blaze rapidly engulfed the vessel, forcing the five crewmembers on board to abandon ship. Fortunately, they were rescued by a nearby Good Samaritan vessel. Responding firefighters were eventually able to extinguish the fire. One crewmember sustained minor injuries. The vessel, valued at $1.6 million, was deemed a total constructive loss. No environmental pollution was reported as a result of the incident. Further details and lessons learned from the investigation are available on the NTSB’s investigation page.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the National Transportation Safety Board

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