Charter boat fire

[Let It Ride]

So I just found out that the boat I overnighted on this past weekend caught fire while at sea the other day. Fortunately they were only a few miles from shore and no one was injured.

I would like to commend the only boat that came to their rescue, although they are not members of this site, I feel they should be recognized. The boat that caught fire was the Bluefin out of Clinton, Ct. They were on the inshore Striper grounds when one of the turbos burst into flames. Captain Mike kept the fire at bay while the crew was taken to safety. There were several boats in the immediate area that did not respond to the flare. The one boat that did respond came from twice the distance as the others.

I'm hoping that the other boats just didn't see the flares that went up or the black smoke billowing out of the cabin as oppsed to just not helping. This boat and it's crew are top notch and one of the very best at putting people on fish. Unfortunately, their season is now done.

Mike

[Admin]

paul708 was telling me about this boat this weekend i think its the same boat.

Im very happy to hear that no one was hurt thats all that counts the boat can be replaced.

I wish the capt . well and hope he gets back to fishing soon.

JOhn

[CaptBrian]

thats a scary thought could have happended to any of us lucky they were not at the canyon or furter out

[WAHOONBOX]

I BOW TO THE RESCUE CREW....AND THE CAPT WHO FOUGHT HIS OWN FIRE.....AND SHAME - SHAME TO THE FILLET GREEDY ONLOOKERS....I MEAN NON LOOKERS

[JD5652]

Guys-

I just got off the phone with Capt. Mike of the Blue Fin. He is a personal friend of mine. Those guys were VERY fortunate....they were doing an inshore charter so they were only about six miles from shore. Smoke started billowing from the engine compartment...Capt. Mike discharged the Halon system, but that didn't put the fire completely out. Capt. Mike ordered ALL crew and charter group to the bow of the boat where they readied the life raft. A small center console fishing vessel arrived on the scene immediately after the initial flare was launched and off loaded all charter passengers. His name is Rhino4 on the CTF board.

Capt Mike then opened the engine compartment and discharged two fire extinguishers dowsing the remaining flames.

The local FD boat, Sea Tow and the CG responded to the May Day call. Capt Mike had also set a course to beach the boat and was underway until the second engine succumbed to the smoke and melted wiring. The Blue Fin was towed to port by the CG with Capt. Mike and two local firemen aboard. Capt Mike refused to relinquish control of the vessel to bar any unforseen "salvage" issues. Theyu believe at this time that the cause of the fire was a blown turbo.

Everyone is OK with NO injuries. The Blue Fin is a 44 Henriques and is a true battle wagon. She sustained extensive damage in the engine compartment, but is already being repaired and will make many more charters and life time memories next season.

Capt Mike, I tip my riggers to you for a job well done under dire circumstances.

[paul708]

john.i dont think its the same boat i was telling you about..i was speaking of a 41' custom.out of montauk.captin by a Michael Potts .unless he got new boat.

[JD5652]

Paul-

Definitely NOT the same boat...the Blue Fin is out of Clinton, CT and the fire happened last Thursday afternoon on LI Sound.

[Mako Wish]

I am the Capt of Bluefin and a avid reader of this site.....Been a busy few weeks for me inspite of the charter boat being out of comission.... The rebuilding process is allready started...I was looking through the site and saw this post and wanted to say thank you for the support .....Still glad it was inshore and not out on the edge.....I had just got back from triple back to back overnighters..........Thanks again and catch 'em up

[JD5652]

Mike-

Glad to have you aboard on SFC. See you on Friday.