The crew of the Galician fishing vessel Nuevo San Juan, based in Lugo’s coastal town of Burela, were rescued after an onboard fire erupted on a Sunday morning. The vessel, a 31.5-meter pincheiro with a bottom-line configuration used for salmon fishing, was halted by a sudden blaze while conducting regular operations at sea. The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, according to early assessments from rescue authorities and ship operators.
All 15 crew members evacuated safely by leaping into life rafts and were subsequently rescued without serious injury. The incident left the vessel damaged and resulted in financial losses, an unfortunate but necessary consequence of the dangerous event at sea. Rescue teams coordinated a rapid response to secure all personnel and ensure their safe return to shore.
Maritime Rescue confirmed receipt of an alert from Nuevo San Juan at its operations center in Fisterra about the fire in the British SAR region. Following the notification, Rescue services notified UK authorities, who then redirected several vessels to the scene to assist with the emergency response and to monitor the situation as it evolved. This cross-border cooperation underlines the shared responsibilities of European search and rescue efforts in offshore fisheries operations.
At present, the fire’s exact cause remains under investigation. While early indications point to a short circuit, investigators will review all electrical systems, battery configurations, and engine compartment conditions once the crew has reached a safe harbor. The vessel and its crew are currently heading toward Castletownbere in Ireland, where formal inquiries and on-site assessments can be conducted in a controlled environment.
The director of the Puerto de Burela Fisheries Producers Organization, which represents Nuevo San Juan, provided comments to the regional press underscoring the context of the incident. He explained that the ship was en route from France toward Irish waters, encountering the blaze within the fishing grounds associated with the Great Sun fishery area. The organization stressed the importance of swift action and crew safety, reinforcing that while the fire did cause damage, there were no reported injuries among the crew and that the vessel’s crew demonstrated effective emergency procedures under challenging conditions.
As the situation unfolds, Salvamento Marítimo Internacional (the Spanish maritime rescue authority) continues to monitor communications with international partners. Current updates indicate the vessel remains afloat but is compromised by the fire, with operators prioritizing the safe retrieval of any remaining fuel and preventing environmental contamination. The ongoing assessment will address the risk of fuel leakage, which could threaten nearby waters if not contained. Observers note the incident highlights the critical role of modern fire suppression systems on fishing boats, particularly during long voyages across international routes where quick rescue responses are essential to preserve life and property.
This incident serves as a reminder to fleets operating in the North Atlantic and surrounding seas from Canada to the United States that robust safety protocols, crew training, and cross-border cooperation are indispensable. Modern fishing boats—especially those engaged in salmon and other high-value catches—rely on reliable electrical systems, effective fire suppression, and clear communications with coastal authorities and rescue services. While the Nuevo San Juan’s crew demonstrated resilience and discipline, ongoing investigations will aim to prevent a recurrence and to strengthen safety standards across the regional fishing fleets. The broader maritime community will be watching as Castletownbere and other affected ports coordinate with international partners to support the ship’s recovery, assess environmental risk, and ensure that fishery activities resume with enhanced safety measures in place.