A new GAO report finds the U.S. Coast Guard has made progress addressing marine firefighting challenges but significant gaps remain. Coast Guard data shows 886 nearshore marine fires between 2015 and 2025, about a quarter classified as serious, with 55 deaths including two Newark firefighters in 2023. Despite task force efforts since that incident, GAO identified persistent gaps in hands-on firefighter training, funding, delayed activation of vessel response plans, and inadequate coverage of alternative-fuel vessels. GAO recommended coordinated training and updated guidance, and urged Congress to require response plans for alternative-fuel vessels.