USCG Rescues 5 from Boat Following Engine Fire
The Coast Guard rescued five people from a boat following an engine fire near the Indian River Inlet Bridge Sunday.
A person aboard the 36-foot Sport Fisher, Outcast, used a VHF-FM radio to call watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia at about 5:30 a.m. Sunday. The man reported an engine fire disabled the boat and they were in need of assistance.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Indian River arrived on scene, transferred the five people aboard the MLB and transported the people back to shore with no reported injuries.
“The boaters said they were coming up to speed to go fishing and the engine started to make a strange noise,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Bryan Thurman. “ Smoke started to fill the cabin, the fire suppression system smothered the fire and put it out, leaving the boat adrift. When we arrived on scene, we had them deploy their anchor until Outcast could be taken to shore. Luckily, the people who were aboard are ok.”