F/V OMNISEA; Seattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington | 1991-Sep-16

Initial Notification: On September 16, 1991, the fishing vessel OMNISEA, a 324-foot fish processor undergoing repairs, was reportedly on fire and smoking heavily at the west side of Pier 91, Elliott Bay, Seattle. The fire apparently broke out in an area where welding equipment was in use. The OMNISEA was reported to have 400 pounds of chlorine, 10,000 pounds of ammonia, and 250,000 gallons of diesel onboard. The ammonia was in the vessel's refrigeration system close to where the fire started. Under the Puget Sound Marine Firefighting Response Plan, the Seattle Fire Department became the Marine Firefighting Scene Commander (FFSC). The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) provided technical assistance and established a 250-yard safety zone on the water side of the vessel. The response was upgraded to a five-alarm fire, and at one time included over 60 pieces of shore-based equipment, 2 Seattle fire boats, and 2 tugs. The vessel developed an 8-degree starboard list as a result of the large volume of water continuously being sprayed on her. To reduce the list and stabilize the vessel, a barge was brought in to contain the water pumped from the OMNISEA. USCG district 13.