Cutty Sark fire caused by vacuum cleaner Cutty Sark in 2003 / Robert Merkel photo London, England - CNN reports that the fire that damaged the famous clipper ship Cutty Sark in May 2007 was caused by a vacuum cleaner being used during a renovation project. Investigators believe that the vacuum may have been left on overnight. Guards, failing to inspect the ship as scheduled, might have detected the running vacuum and prevented the fire. The Cutty Sark became famous in 1870 when it sailed around Cape Horn at up to 17.5 knots and covered more than 360 miles in a day, far faster than other ships of that era. Renovation has continued and the Cutty Sark may be open to tourists again in 2010 Here's more from CNN. Add Comment (0) Hits: 159