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Coast Guard Responds to F/V Navigator Fire, Sinking Off Santa Cruz

FV_Navigator-300x190The U.S. Coast Guard, working with multiple partner agencies, responded to a boat fire and subsequent sinking approximately one mile off the shore of Santa Cruz early Wednesday morning on July 17th, 2025. The F/V NAVIGATOR, a 45-foot vessel that had been fishing for squid, was at anchor when fire broke out onboard. The two fishermen aboard the vessel were rescued.

At 7:40 a.m., U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received an urgent report that a 45-foot vessel was ablaze with two people on board. Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to alert mariners in the area. A boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Monterey was deployed, and coordination efforts began with local partner agencies.

Agencies involved in the response included:

  • California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Office of Spill Prevention and Response
  • Parker Diving Service
  • Redwood Shore Diving Inc.
  • Santa Cruz Port District
  • Vessel Owner

Personnel from Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol (SCHP) and Fire Boat 12 were the first to arrive on the scene. The SCHP crew successfully rescued both fishermen from the burning vessel, then transported them to the Santa Cruz Wharf.

Fire Boat 12 crews then worked to extinguish the blaze using a dewatering pump, with the U.S. Coast Guard monitoring the situation. While TowboatUS attempted to salvage the vessel, it began taking on water rapidly and sank before towing efforts could be completed.

The vessel now rests at a depth of approximately 47 feet. Initial observations indicate no active fuel discharge or apparent damage to its fuel-storage tanks. The vessel reportedly had an estimated 650 gallons of fuel onboard, with a total capacity of approximately 1,000 gallons.

“Our top priorities in any incident are safety of the public and responders and protection of the environment,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Leahey, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Incident Management Division Chief. “We approach every operation with care and deliberate action to mitigate adverse impact to the environment.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Incident Management Division is currently working with the vessel owner and overseeing salvage operations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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