The Transport Accident Investigation Commission has opened an inquiry into the fire on board the fishing vessel Dong Won at Timaru port.
The Chief Investigator of Accidents, Captain Tim Burfoot, says circumstances reported to date are that the deep-sea fishing vessel, the Dong Won 701, caught fire at about 2130 last night (9 April 2018) at Number 1 Wharf in the port of Timaru.
“The fire is reported to have broken out in the vicinity of the vessel’s accommodation,” said Capt. Burfoot.
“The fire burned all night and into today, so damage to the vessel is expected to be substantial.”
“The Commission’s team of three investigators is due to arrive at the site this afternoon.
The Commission opens an inquiry when it believes the circumstances of an accident or incident have - or are likely to have - significant implications for transport safety, or when the inquiry may allow the Commission to make findings or recommendations to improve transport safety.