Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
This morning around 2:33am a sound like a gunshot was heard from the William B. and firefighters were dispatched to the boat, a storied 76-foot wooden tugboat that was built in 1942. The boat was moored between Bay Island and Newport Harbor Yacht Club, and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. After 5 hours of battling, the fire was extinguished at 7:45am. Sadly, the William B. was unable to continue the fight and succumbed to the wounds, sinking where she stayed for so many years.
No injuries are reported, and the cause of the fire is still unknown, said Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The boat was owned by Gary Hill, of Hill’s Fuel Dock (by Balboa Pavilion). So next time you’re filling up your boat, swing by their station and spend some money there. A real historic loss for our harbor.
