The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan is currently investigating two unrelated vessel fires that occurred on 17 and 18 May in Puerto Rico.
Both fires were successfully extinguished with no reported injuries or marine pollution. The most recent incident took place early on 18 May aboard the M/T Scot Stuttgart, a 383-foot chemical tanker flagged in the Marshall Islands, while docked at Puerto Nuevo Channel’s N Wharf. At approximately 3:43 a.m., Coast Guard watchstanders received reports of a fire in the vessel’s port engine room, initially involving the port generator. The ship’s crew responded quickly, using the onboard fire suppression system to control the blaze.
However, around 5:55 a.m., dense black smoke was again spotted from the same engine room, raising concerns of a possible reignition. As a precaution, the crew isolated the area and reactivated the fire suppression system. Local firefighters who arrived on scene later confirmed the fire was fully extinguished.
The first fire occurred on 17 May aboard the ferry vessel Breezy Point while moored at the Vieques pier, following a voyage from Ceiba. At 9:15 p.m., authorities were alerted to a fire in the ferry’s port engine room. All passengers, safely disembarked prior to the incident, were unharmed. The crew initially attempted to fight the fire using a portable extinguisher but then activated the vessel’s installed suppression system, which successfully put out the flames. Fire department personnel arrived to ensure the vessel’s safety. The Breezy Point routinely ferries up to 249 passengers between Ceiba and Vieques.
Understanding what led to these fires is crucial to preventing future incidents that could threaten lives and Puerto Rico’s maritime environment. I commend the crews and firefighters for their swift actions that helped avoid greater harm
… said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, Commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan.
