Coast Guard Issues Alert after Fishing Boat Explosion in Hawaii

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a safety alert following a deadly explosion aboard the F/V KIM THU, an uninspected commercial fishing vessel, in Hawaii on April 26, 2024. In a recent update, U.S. Coast Guard officials provided further details about the blast, while the Department of Law Enforcement confirmed that the F/V KIM THU was a foreign long-line fishing vessel. Investigations into the cause of the explosion are ongoing.

The incident occurred while the boat was moored at Pier 36 for maintenance. The explosion, which originated from the marine diesel fuel tank, resulted in the death of one crew member and left five others injured.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the F/V KIM THU failed to comply with the “Hot Works” permit guidelines issued by the State Department of Transportation. These regulations govern maintenance activities on water tank hatches, engine room stairs, and spotlights. According to witnesses, welding was conducted on a fuel tank vent pipe that had not been certified as gas-free or deemed “Safe for Hot Work” by a certified marine chemist, a clear violation of permit requirements.

The explosion caused an estimated $250,000 in damage and the loss of a life, underscoring the risks associated with non-compliance in such hazardous work environments.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that the explosion aboard the F/V KIM THU was triggered by the ignition of diesel fuel vapors. Following the incident, Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland provided an update stating that two men sustained critical injuries, while another man with serious injuries was transported to Queen’s Medical Center. Two additional victims, also suffering from serious injuries, were taken to Straub Medical Center for treatment. The blast resulted in significant casualties and raised concerns about safety protocols on commercial vessels.

“These kinds of incidents, when the injuries are so severe, we like to overwhelm the scene with paramedics so they can provide individualized life-saving care to all the patients. Because of the inundation of five very, very sick patients, all five needed advanced life support from our paramedics.” Ireland shared after the explosion. At the time, the cause of the fire was still under investigation, but the boat’s owner claimed that the cause of the fire was a gas tank. He also claimed it was empty and was confused about why it exploded.

In its closing statement, the U.S. Coast Guard emphasized the limited oversight of uninspected commercial fishing vessels (CFVs) regulated under 46 Code of Federal Regulations Subchapter C.

“CFV owners and operators play a critical role in ensuring that safe marine practices are adhered to during repairs,” the statement read. The U.S. Coast Guard noted that, due to the minimal regulatory oversight from the agency or recognized class societies, responsibility for maintaining safety standards largely falls on vessel owners and operators.