The US Coast Guard, the Seattle Fire Department, Washington State Ferries, and Good Samaritans responded to the report of a vessel on fire in Elliot Bay, Washington, on the afternoon (local time) of Sunday, December 8.
The coast guard launched a response boat medium crew and a response boat small crew from Station Seattle after receiving reports of a recreational vessel on fire in the vicinity of Duwamish Head Light in Elliot 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 the remaining fuel while a salvage plan is promulgated.
There is approximately 250 gallons (950 litres) of diesel fuel on board.