NTSB: Boiler Fuel Leak Sparked $5.5M Engine Room Fire on Bulker in Mobile

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has determined that a failed O-ring seal and misaligned fuel system components caused a major engine room fire aboard the bulk carrier Lem Verbena while the vessel was docked in Mobile, Alabama.

The January 4, 2025 incident occurred at the Alabama State Docks on the Mobile River with 19 crewmembers on board, resulting in $5.5 million in damage but no injuries or pollution, according to the agency’s marine investigation report.

The fire ignited at approximately 2323 local time in the vessel’s upper engine room near the composite boiler, shortly after cargo operations had concluded and