The cause of a fire that destroyed a $1.5 million yacht last year has been linked to spontaneous combustion of oil-soaked rags that were on board, according to a recent report by the National Transportation Safety Board.
The yacht, named the Pegasus, was docked in Gig Harbor, Wash., when it caught fire around 2 a.m. July 15, 2022. No one was on board at the time and no injuries were reported. The fire burned for about an hour before firefighters were notified and arrived on the scene. The fire finally went out when part of the Pegasus sank around 4:30 a.m. The yacht was “a total loss,” and a vessel next to it received minor damage.
Investigators conducted interviews with the owner of the yacht and discovered oil-soaked rags had been improperly stored on the deck at the time, as the yacht’s surfaces were being refinished with teak oil.
“Rags soaked with oil-based finishes, which are commonly used for painting and refinishing, pose a fire hazard if stored improperly,” NTSB stated. “Because they generate heat as they dry, oily rags that are piled up, put together in a trash can, or bagged do not allow the heat to escape, creating a high risk for spontaneous combustion. To prevent a fire, users of oil-based products (or any chemical product) should carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleanup and disposal of rags, steel wool, brushes, and other applicators.”
Read more about spontaneous combustion, and the steps that can prevent it, here:
