The Fire Aboard the Fishing Vessel Three Girls: A Harrowing Tale of Survival

In August 2024, tragedy struck the fishing vessel Three Girls off the coast of Maine when a fire broke out, threatening the lives of the crew. Thanks to the quick thinking and decisive actions of the vessel’s master, all crew members and a fishery observer were able to abandon ship safely.

The Incident

While underway in the Gulf of Maine, the crew of the Three Girls was engaged in routine operations when the captain detected the smell of burning. Upon investigating, he found thick smoke engulfing the engine room, signaling a serious fire. With no time to waste, the captain ordered the crew to prepare to abandon ship.

Despite the challenging conditions, the master managed to make a distress call to the Coast Guard, prompting a swift response. As the crew readied the life raft, the master made the selfless decision to forgo wearing an immersion suit, ensuring that all crew members had the necessary protection.

A Daring Escape

With the life raft inflated on deck, the crew executed a daring maneuver to launch it off the stern ramp, allowing them to safely board and await rescue. Despite offers of assistance from nearby vessels, the master opted to wait for the Coast Guard, prioritizing the safety of his crew in challenging sea conditions.

Ultimately, all crew members were rescued by the Coast Guard cutter William Chadwick without any reported injuries. However, the fire ravaged the Three Girls, causing extensive damage to critical areas of the vessel.

Investigation Findings

Subsequent investigations by the Coast Guard, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the NTSB revealed that the fire likely originated from a spray of hydraulic oil near the winch engine. The lack of remote shutoffs and ventilation controls in the engine room exacerbated the situation, highlighting the importance of proper safety measures on board vessels.

The NTSB emphasized the need for remote shutoffs for all machinery in engine rooms and secure ventilation systems to prevent the spread of fires. By implementing these recommendations, vessel owners and operators can enhance the safety of their crew and prevent similar incidents in the future.

As the Three Girls was declared a total loss, valued at $1.3 million, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by those at sea. Through courage, quick thinking, and adherence to safety protocols, the crew of the Three Girls overcame a perilous situation and lived to tell the tale.

Courtesy NTSB