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This Report from Sailtime Captain Bobbie Weisman
You can find pics and the rescuer’s commentary at Fire At Sea

On Easter Sunday, March 23, 2008. My friend and I, were leaving the Channel Islands marina, the time was approximately 13:20. The weather conditions were very favorable for a good sail, clear skies, NWN wind at 10-12 knots. Swells were 2-3 feet. We raised our mainsail in the marina and left the marina under power and sail through the South entrance. Our heading was approximately 190 degrees. After passing the breakwater, I unfurled the jib, and turn off the engine.

I noticed some black smoke approximately 1/2 mile off my port bow coming from a power boat. I then heard a distress call of “mayday, I’m dead in the water,” on channel 16. I commented to my friend, “being dead in the water shouldn’t be a call for mayday, rather ‘securite securite’ would be more appropriate as ‘mayday’ is the most serious distress call.”

I did not realize the distress call was in fact coming from the boat that was sending black smoke into the sky, as the captain of the boat did not identify the type or name of the boat, or his location. The captain never again used his radio to advise of his deteriorating condition.

As we continued on our course, I noticed the man using a fire extinguisher, the smoke was much thicker now. We were about one hundred yards away from him, when I saw flames erupt on the deck of the power boat. I immediately call on channel 16 to the harbor patrol, I identified myself and the name of my boat, I told the harbor patrol of the situation and gave my location. The fire was now out of control and it was obvious the two people would need to abandon the boat. They jumped into the water without PFDs and only a floating ring to share.

They were panicked and very fearful. I radioed the harbor patrol, that the two people were now in the water and I was in the process of pick them up, and had begun the ‘man over board’ maneuver. The people were now very fearful and I told them to stay calm, as I was coming around to get them. As I performed a controlled jibe another power boat arrived on the scene. That boat became the rescuing vessel. They were able to drive right up next to them and got the two people onboard without incident. The harbor patrol boat was on the scene within a minute after the two were safely onboard the rescuing vessel, within two minutes the harbor patrol’s fire boat arrived. They extinguished the fire. The burnt boat was able to be towed back to the marina.

In reality, my only part in helping these people was to radio the harbor patrol of the situation and the location of the incident. I was prepared to rescue them, which became unnecessary. I have to thank Captain Dan. You never know when you are going to be in a situation, where you are going to have to use your training as a sailor. I have to say, at no time did I feel that the situation was out of control, and I knew there would be a safe resolution to this very unfortunate situation.

Bobby Weisman

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