The Coast Guard said its boat crews, the Seattle Fire Department, Washington State Ferries, and other mariners responded to the report of a vessel on fire in Elliott Bay near Seattle Sunday afternoon.
After receiving reports of a recreational boat burning off Duwamish Head Light, crews in 45’ and 29’ response boats headed for the scene around 12 p.m., according to an account from the Coast Guard. The Seattle Fire Department, the Washington State Ferry 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 one of the good Samaritan vessels without serious injury.
The crew of the Seattle fireboat Chief Seattle extinguished the fire and took the vessel in tow before being relieved by Tow Boat US. The owner has contracted with a commercial salvage company to salvage the vessel and mitigate pollution threats.
While under tow, the vessel sunk near the 32nd Ave Beach Access in Elliott Bay. Boom was placed around the vessel and divers were contracted to remove about 250 gals. of diesel fuel remaining on board, while a salvage plan was developed.
“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, the commanding officer at Coast Guard Station Seattle.
