The 20 meter long tugboat Chief caught fire while berthed in the port of San Diego, California. The fire started near the galley and quickly spread through the decks and wheelhouse. Local Firefighters were alerted and were able to extinguish the blaze in 30 minutes. Reports state that one person was staying on board at the time of the fire. Firefighters found his body in the vessel’s wheelhouse. The tug sustained some $300,000 in damages. The fire was under investigation.
On March 31, the 49 meter long passenger ship Adventure Hornblower allided with a seawall in San Diego, California. The vessel was proceeding into port from a day cruise with 139 passengers. For an undisclosed reason, the vessel was unable to slow down its approach and struck the seawall. Three passengers were taken to hospital for injuries. The bow of the passenger ship sustained a gash above the waterline and the seawall suffered some damage. No reports of pollution released. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
On January 10, the 30 foot long fishing vessel Day Island ran ashore off Ventura City, California. The fishing vessel had washed onto the beach with three crew on board. The crew were safely rescued by local firefighters. No reports of injuries, damage or pollution released. A few days later, Authorities hired a salvage team to remove the diesel fuel on board the Day Island along with any cargo on board. The owner of the Day Island later released rights to the vessel to state authorities. Reports state the vessel was to be refloated initially, but now will be dismantled on the beach.