Intense heat, flame and smoke engulfed the engine room almost immediately and spread to adjacent passageways and to the boiler room. There were immediate orders to clear the engine room but CWO Partanen, in full knowledge that he was in mortal danger, remained behind in order to report the situation by telephone to the officer of watch on the bridge.
The engine room was quickly enveloped in intense heat, flames, and smoke almost immediately, spreading to adjacent passageways and the boiler room. Orders were given for an immediate evacuation, but CWO Partanen, knowing he faced certain danger, remained behind to report the situation by telephone to the officer on watch at the bridge.