[drcoastline]

Like many of you I have to lean toward a propane leak. Most likely from a line or a fitting as I am sure the tank was isolated and vented overboard. Gas filled the bilges and below deck areas. The cooks brother was interviewed and stated his brother typically would be cooking breakfast at 3:30-4:00 AM. That time frame is consistent with the fire of 3:15AM. Most likely the cook turned on a light or lit a burner that caused the gas to ignite. The cook survived, it will be interesting to hear his account of the tragedy.

What I can not figured out however, is why there weren't any escape hatches from that berthing area and why were all the doors locked? From the reports the boat was on the hook so no reason have all the doors locked and clearly unsafe in an emergency situation.