Alaska Officials Say Welding Caused Ferry Fire

An investigation report by Alaska’s Ketchikan Fire Department says welding accidently caused a recent fire on the Alaska state ferry Malaspina.

The report obtained by the Ketchikan Daily News says the Feb. 7 fire caused an estimated $750,000 in damages.

Alaska Marine Highway spokesman Jeremy Woodrow says the ferry system has not estimated exact damages, but cleanup costs are estimated at about $300,000.

No one was injured when the fire broke out while the ferry was in drydock at Ketchikan Shipyard. Fire authorities have said the fire occurred in a marine sanitation space, two decks below the car deck.

Alaska Ship and Drydock spokesman Doug Ward says the shipyard’s insurance company also is investigating. Ward says no statement will be made until the U.S. Coast Guard finishes its investigation.