On November 6, the 28 foot long fishing vessel Dawn Breaker caugh fire off Plum Island near Ipswich, Massachusetts. The Dawn Breaker was pulling in lobster traps when a fire broke out in the wheelhouse. The captain, the single person on board, donned an emergency suit and was forced to jump into the sea to escape the blaze. Another vessel was able to rescue him a short time later. The Dawn Breaker burned until the lobster boat sank.
On November 1, the fishing vessel Rockland Gulf ran aground near Jameson Point, Rockland, Maine. The lobster boat had broken free of its mooring and drifted ashore. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. The vessel was expected to be refloated on a high tide. Authorities asked the owner to remove all fuel and oil off the vessel to avoid any potential release of pollution.
On October 31, the 76 foot long wooden tugboat William B caught fire while berthed at Newport Harbor, California. The fire quickly engulfed the wooden vessel during the night. Local fire fighters fought the blaze for over fiver hours while it was partially sunk in the harbor. Booms were placed around the vessel to contain any pollution released. No reports of injuries. The William B had some 60 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the fire. Reports state the William B will be drained of any remaining fuel and be towed away as a total loss. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident. The William B was built in 1942 and was used to pull ships in World War II.
