Portsmouth Marina Owner Fined $31K For Massive Boatyard Fire

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined the owner of a Portsmouth marina after a massive fire last December destroyed a yacht and a sailboat.

The fire injured one worker and caused millions of dollars worth of damage, causing OSHA to open an investigation into The Talaria Company LLC DBA Hinckley Yacht Services. Initially, the fine was $56,181, but it was later amended to $31,350 after the two sides reached a settlement, WPRI 12 reported.

An OSHA spokesperson said the investigation uncovered five violations, four of which were considered serious. Violations included not reviewing the company's emergency action plan with all employees, not taking precautions with flammable vapors present, an excess of weeds, trash and combustible materials and not providing medical evaluations to those who required respirators. Training was also lacking for the care of hazardous chemicals, WPRI 12 reported.