Vessel – 39’ Fiberglass, Auxiliary Sailboat, 1 motor hp unk, Inboard gasoline
Owner 	

On 01/24/2023, at about 07:04 p.m., this vessel was moored at Thea Foss Waterway in Commencement Bay closest to the city of Tacoma, WA in Pierce County
According to Law Enforcement, A yacht named Pandemonium caught on fire in the Thea Foss Waterway, dumping 40 gallons of gasoline into Puget Sound. Tacoma Fire responded to a recreational vessel on fire at about 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 24, 2023 at 1900 E. D St, near the former Johnny’s Dock Restaurant & Marina. According to Tacoma Fire’s investigation report, the fire started near the rear of the boat where the engine was. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 30 minutes, according to Tacoma Fire spokesman. No other boats were exposed to the flames, he added. According to the report, the owner said he was not having mechanical issues and the last time he had work done on the boat was November 2021, which was cosmetic.

Based on the investigation and photographic evidence located at the fire scene, this fire is being ruled as undetermined. The ignition source was undetermined due to the amount of fire damage to the boat and the boat being under water in the morning as I returned to complete my investigation. The area of origin would be the rear of the boat where the engine compartment is due to mass loss and photographic evidence that was taken by BC1 showing the fire in the rear of the boat. Pending any further information or evidence, this investigation is closed. Boat was a total loss.

Damage: Total loss $60,000.00
Fatality: 0
Alcohol Involvement: none
PFD: N/A
Vessel Operator Mandatory Boater Education card: No
Commencement Bay
Tacoma                        