The 145 foot long fishing vessel Ocean Explorer caught fire while berthed in Seattle, Washington. The fire started below deck spewing out smoke. Several fireboats along with a large response of local fire fighters were able to extinguish the blaze a short time later. No reports of injuries. No details on the extent of damage or if any pollution was released.
The 57 meter long fishing vessel Langenes caught fire in the North Sea off Bryne, Norway. The fire ignited in the trawler’s engine room, but was quickly contained by the vessel’s fire suppression system. Disabled by the fire, the Langenes sent out a distress call and requested assistance. Norwegian authorities dispatched two helicopters to the scene. Fourteen crew were evacuated by helicopter leaving six crew on board.
A short time afterwards the six crew on board found the Langenes had suffered water ingress. Without power, the trawler was unable to control the flooding. Another helicopter was dispatched to deliver dewatering pumps. The pumps were lowered to the Langenes and were able to control the water ingress. Four additional crew were also taken off the vessel leaving just 2 crew on board. A coast guard cutter arrived on scene and took the Langenes under tow. The cutter with the Langenes under tow proceeded to Bokna Fjord. Reports state conditions have made the tow back difficult.
No reports of injuries or pollution released.
On August 30, the 68 foot long, 122 gt fishing vessel Master D caught fire in the Gulf of Mexico near Port Isabel, Texas. All three crewmen on the Master D were forced to abandoned ship into a life raft as the smoke engulfed the vessel. Authorities were alerted by an emergency radio beacon from the Master D and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Coho to the scene. The Coho arrived and safely rescued all three crew members. No reports of injuries.
After burning for two days, the Master D sank 58 miles off Port Isabel. Reports show a light sheen over the wreck location. The Coast Guard has reported that it will work with a salvage team to remove any diesel fuel or oil pollution released by the fishing vessel. The Master D had some 23,000 gallons of fuel on board at the time of the incident.