The 163 meter long, ro-ro cargo vessel Finnkraft caught fire near Helsinki, Finland. The fire started in a heating system on a stairwell in the bow section. The fire spewed toxic smoke spreading to several decks. The crew quickly responded and was able to bring the fire under control and later assisted by the local fire brigade in extinguishing the blaze. The smoke was then later ventilated from the areas impacted. No reports of injuries.
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 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.
