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Burning vessel off Tinian reef
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Posted on Jul 18 2019
On Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at about 7:25am, the Department of Public Safety received a 911 call on Tinian reporting a burning vessel off the reef of Lasarinu Beach on Tinian.
Tinian DPS boating safety on Tinian launched the Zodiac from Marina Dock and headed toward the scene. Upon arrival, officers noticed a blue 30-foot vessel engulfed in flames with black smoke that was being towed away from the reef line by a small boat with three individuals. Once the 30-foot boat was towed away from the reef line, the tow rope was released and the vessel was left to drift.
Officers met with the individuals onboard the small boat and learned that there had been two individuals on the 30-foot boat.
According to the individuals, the 30-foot boat had departed Tinian for Saipan when the captain noticed the smell of burning rubber. The engines were shut off before the crew picked up the onboard fire extinguishers. At this time, the crew could not extinguish the fire as it continued to spread. The crew then ran toward the end of the vessel and they flagged down a passing vessel. Once the vessel got close, the crew jumped into the water and swam toward the assisting vessel. From there, 911 and the owner of the 30-foot boat were called. (PR)
