Smoke from the Aleutian Falcon at the Trident Seafoods dock in Tacoma (Tacoma Fire Department)
As of 1300 hours on Thursday, the vessel was still burning, but the smoke had abated enough that the fire department could lift a shelter in place advisory for northeast Tacoma.
Shipowner Trident Seafoods and the Tacoma Fire Department said that they are working on a dewatering plan to make sure that the vessel retains stability. The Falcon’s tanks contain an estimated 48,000 gallons of diesel, and a capsizing could result in a spill. Containment booms have been deployed as a precautionary measure, and the U.S. Coast Guard has imposed a 1,500 yard safety zone around the site of the casualty.
The 40-year-old Aleutian Falcon is a 230-foot dedicated processing ship serving the Alaska herring and salmon seasons. She can support a crew of up to 120 when deployed and operating.
No injuries have been reported, but given the size and duration of the fire, the damage to the vessel is believed to be extensive.