The US Coast Guard rescued two people after their 70-foot pleasure craft caught fire near Destruction Island, Washington, Friday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Quillayute River, Washington, received a distress call on VHF-FM radio channel 16, at approximately 12:58 p.m., from a recreational boater reporting that their engine was on fire.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Quillayute River launched to the scene, as well as a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Washington.
Rescued were the vessel owner, 56-year-old David Roach, and his wife who was not identified. The 70-foot pleasure craft, La Pietra, is registered out of Beverly Hills, California.
Once the boatcrew arrived on scene, they were able to transfer the vessel owner’s wife aboard the MLB.
The vessel owner attempted to extinguish the fire, however was unable to contain it and was also transferred aboard the MLB.
Both individuals were taken to Station Quillayute River where they were transferred to local EMS. The vessel owner had reportedly suffered from smoke inhalation.
The vessel was last reported still on fire and has the potential of carrying 600 gallons of diesel fuel. Rescue tug, Jeffrey Ross homeported out of Neah Bay, Washington, was en route to the vessel.
There have been no visible signs of pollution, the Coast Guard and Washington State Department of Ecology are monitoring the situation.
[mappress] Press Release, July 07, 2014; Image: USCG