(SEATTLE) — The U.S. Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Department, Washington State Ferries and good Samaritans responded to a vessel on fire in Elliott Bay on Sunday afternoon.
The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat-medium and a 29-foot response boat-small from Station Seattle after received reports of a recreational vessel on fire in the vicinity of Duwamish Head Light near Seattle at about noon.
The Seattle Fire Department, the Washington State Ferries vessel Chimacum and several good Samaritan vessels responded to render assistance. The sole occupant of the vessel abandoned ship due to the intense fire and was rescued by a good Samaritan. The mariner was assessed by emergency medical services and declined further assistance.
The Seattle Fire Department fireboat Chief Seattle extinguished the flames and took the vessel in tow before being relieved by Tow Boat US. While under tow, the vessel sank near the 32nd Ave. beach access area.
Boom was placed around the vessel and divers were contracted to remove remaining fuel, approximately 250 gallons of diesel. The owner has contracted with a commercial company to salvage the vessel and mitigate pollution threats.
“Responses like these highlight the tight-knit boating community that exists across Puget Sound. Our Coast Guard reservists were able to respond alongside our Seattle Fire partners and confirm no additional people were in the water with the good Samaritan on scene,” said Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Bower, commanding officer Coast Guard Station Seattle.
“It’s crucial that mariners with installed VHF radios on board monitor Channel 16 for incidents like these. The crew of Station Seattle and I are grateful to all who volunteer their time to help others in need at sea,” he said.
– U.S. Coast Guard
