At 3:27 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard’s Southeast District was alerted by an emergency position radio beacon, prompting them to dispatch a Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue team.
The fisherman abandoned the burning vessel and was located in a life raft near the site, where sea conditions measured 2 to 4 feet with winds of 14 knots. The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched a rescue swimmer and safely hoisted the fisherman at approximately 5:46 p.m.
“The boater was able to quickly deploy a life raft and abandon their burning vessel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah Andrews, a search and rescue controller at Southeast District command center. “Through quick actions and the utilization of an emergency position indicating radio beacon our aircrew was able to narrow the search area for a timely rescue.”
The Southeast District watchstanders of the U.S. Coast Guard keep a constant eye on the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system and work closely with partner agencies to handle emergency situations. The cause of the vessel fire is under investigation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial fishing vessel fire, you may be entitled to compensation under maritime law. The experienced maritime attorneys at Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC understand the unique challenges facing commercial fishermen and their families when vessel fires result in burns, smoke inhalation, or other injuries. Our legal team has decades of experience navigating the complexities of maritime injury claims, including Jones Act cases, unseaworthiness claims, and maintenance and cure benefits. Call the dedicated maritime lawyers at Stacey and Jacobsen for a free consultation.