Prior to the fire department arriving, a crew detailing another boat on the same dock had discovered the fire and called 911. They first saw flames and smoke showing from the Fly Bridge of the boat. They attempted to put the fire out with a garden hose located on the dock.
When firefighters arrived, adjacent boats were moved and an offensive attack was made. The fire had appeared to be extinguished, but, when a firefighter went below decks to investigate, it suddenly flared up and a deep-seated fire was discovered and began to burn rapidly.
After calling a second alarm, a total of 24 firefighters and other personnel from the city Fire and Police Departments, Fire District #11, Fire District #13, Skagit County Sheriffs Office (Marine 1 Unit with Firefighting Capability), and Culbertson Marine (Skagit 1 Unit with Firefighting Capability.)
Because to the deep-seated origin of the fire, it burned extensively and resulted in a complete loss to the vessel. The fire was contained to the single slip—no other damage or injuries occurred. Global Diving and Salvage, Inc. deployed a containment boom to prevent environmental damage.
Eventually, the boat sank from all the water poured on the fire.
Gregory and Debbie Cumming, who live in La Conner, own the vessel and were on site during the firefighting efforts. It was reported to the Anacortes Fire Department that the vessel had returned Sunday from a 22-day charter trip.
Once the boat is retrieved and placed on dry ground, the investigation into the cause will begin.
Anacortes Fire Department photo.