The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority (MSIRA) has launched an investigation into the January 8, 2026, boat fire that occurred at Nanny Cay Marina. Photo: MSIRA

A fire on January 8, 2026, destroyed a the vessel 'Kerry Jane' which promted the Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority to launch an investigation. Photo: MSIRA

The Kelly Jane which was destroyed by a fire on January 8, 2026. Photo: MSIRA

The MSIRA, in a January 13, 2026, press release, said the vessel, a 67-foot aluminium ferry-type craft named ‘Kelly Jane’, had been converted into a houseboat with extensive wooden customisations on the deck. 

The vessel had been out of service for several months before the incident and is owned by a resident of St Maarten. 

Chief Marine Accident Investigator, Mr Jerome Padmore, said, “Two days before the fire, the vessel was occupied while docked and connected to shore power, with no apparent issues reported. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire, and no one was on board at the time of the incident.”

Swift & courageous response reduced spreading risk

Mr Kevin Rowlette, former owner of ‘Kelly Jane’, said he was alerted to smoke coming from the vessel. 

Rowlette said the fire accelerated very quickly, going from “a little bit of smoke to flames very quickly”. 

He added there was no time to try fighting the fire at the dock, and so it was towed out to a mangrove area by Hannah Bay and beached. 

Mr Padmore pointed out that their swift and courageous response significantly reduced the risk of the fire spreading to nearby vessels and marine infrastructure, preventing a potentially larger incident. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident and rapidly extinguished the fire. 

No visible issues with shore power connection

According to the MSIRA, preliminary investigations indicate that the vessel had been inactive for several months and was at Nanny Cay in preparation for sea trials at the time of the fire

“There were no immediately visible issues with the shore power connection; however, the condition of the onboard batteries and other electrical equipment has not yet been verified. The presence of extensive wooden fittings and household furniture contributed to the extent of the fire damage,” Mr Padmore added. 

MSIRA is conducting a safety investigation to establish the circumstances and contributing factors surrounding the fire. 

The MSIRA assured that the investigation is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Accident Investigation Regulations, with the sole purpose of improving marine safety and preventing recurrence.

See link to related article

https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/boat-destroyed-by-fire-hannah-bay-was-recently-sold