Bico departed Hirtshals on 18. September 2009 at approximately 09.40 (local time) in order to
conduct net fishing in the North Sea. Approximately one hour after departure the skipper was setting his nets, when the engine suddenly stopped. When he opened the access to the engine room, he was met by large flames.
The Skipper immediately realised, that he had to abandon his vessel, and he released the life saving raft. Other vessels had observed the flames, and had sounded the alarm. Approximately 15 minutes after the fire was discovered, the Skipper was picked up by a rescue vessel from the Hirtshals lifesaving station. The exact cause to the fire is not known, but due to the intensity of the fire a fuel-leak is suspected.
No fire detection system was installed. Had such a system been installed, it is believed that the fire could have been discovered earlier, thereby increasing the chances of fighting the fire.
A full report in Danish can be found here
