On January 20, the 366 meter long, 147420 dwt container ship Manhattan Bridge suffered an explosion while berthing at the terminal in Felixstowe, England. A build up of steam caused the a back-fire explosion in the engine room killing one crewman and injuring another. The explosion was loud enough to be heard by people living near the terminal. The Marine Accident & Investigation Branch (MAIB) has launched an investigation into the incident.
On January 19, the 77 meter long, 574 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry St Faith caught fire was sailing between Portsmouth to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight with 52 passengers and 13 crew. While in the middle of the Solent, a fire broke out on deck near the bridge. The fire was quickly extinguished by the crew while passengers were escorted safely to the lounge.
The St Faith was able to proceed under her own power to Fishbourne where fire fighters were waiting. No injuries reported.
Reports state the fire may have started in an air conditioning unit. The ferry was taken out of service and later returned to Portsmouth. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
