SEATTLE – The Coast Guard, Seattle Fire Department, Washington State Ferries, and Good Samaritans responded to the report of a vessel on fire in Elliott Bay, Washington, Sunday afternoon.
The Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat medium crew and a 29-foot response boat small crew from Station Seattle after received reports of a recreational vessel on fire in the vicinity of Duwamish Head Light in Elliott Bay, near Seattle, around noon on Sunday.
The Seattle Fire Department, the Washington State Ferry 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. They were assessed by Emergency Medical Services and declined further assistance.
The Seattle Fire Department 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 has been placed around the vessel and divers have been contracted to remove remaining fuel while a salvage plan is promulgated. There is approximately 250 gallons of diesel fuel onboard.
“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 onboard 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.”