On April 24, 1943 a fire started in the engine room of the Panamanian freighter SS El Estero. Fire can always represent a danger to a ship, but this fire offered particular concern. The El Estro was carrying more than thirteen hundred tons of high explosives, and was in New York Harbor.
The first class of nuclear submarines were a learning experience for the Soviet Navy. The November class boats experienced numerous difficulties and accidents, culminating in what has been described as a potential “Underwater Chernobyl."