2009 Bisbee's Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament - Photos & Updates

**Admin** · 10-22-2009 05:04 PM

Dave Lear
Silver King Communications
B&B Day 1 Fire

October 22, 2009, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico:

Fiery Start to Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Jackpot Tournament
By Dave Lear

The yacht The Bottom Line is resting on the bottom on the Sea of Cortez. Minutes after the flare starting the 29th Annual Bisbee’s Black & Blue Marlin Tournament doused in the ocean, one of the participating sportfishing boats already miles away caught fire and sank. All seven crew members aboard were rescued by Sneak Attack, another tournament contestant. Mexican rescue boats and tournament officials were also quickly on the scene.

“It was miraculous no one was seriously injured,” said tournament director Wayne Bisbee, as he and the rescued anglers watched the burning vessel slowly dip below the surface aboard the tournament committee boat, Team Baja Cantina. “It was a tragic and a very humbling experience.”

A total of 94 boats are competing in the world’s richest sportfishing event. Anglers are vying for nearly $2 million in prize money. The Bottom Line, a 50-foot Hatteras convertible, homeported in Cabo and was coming off a 2nd place win in the Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore Tournament that took place on Oct. 16-18.

Fishing will continue through Saturday, after a one-day delay due to Hurricane Rick.

**Admin** · 10-22-2009 05:11 PM

So freaking sad glad to hear everyone is ok.

**Capt Josh** · 10-22-2009 05:15 PM

Jesus...thank god everyone got off safely. My condolences to the owner and crew.

**SA.M.** · 10-22-2009 05:20 PM

blown away by these pictures. heartfelt condolences to the immortalized crew of The Bottom Line

**Swami** · 10-22-2009 05:33 PM

Wow. Just...wow.
Boats burn so fast and so hot, it's incredible. Those are some very lucky hombres for sure, glad to hear the crew's safe.

**marlin_mike_** · 10-22-2009 05:47 PM

thank god mike and the boy's are ok. they are as good as it get's as far as people they also fish good too. hope they can get thing's together for friday if they so choose tostill fish the tourny. the marlin world that is in cabo right now will step up and lend a hand i bet!!

**stefan olson** · 10-22-2009 05:48 PM

The pictures really make me think that someone got hurt. But it is a relief no one did.

**MarlinNut** · 10-22-2009 05:54 PM

Wow ... not the way you'd like to start an event - good to see help was right there.

Went through a similar experience in the mid-90's - scary to see just how quickly things can get out of control.

Here's hoping all the rest of the news from down there is good.

**Mongo** · 10-22-2009 06:00 PM

Condolences to the crew of the Bottome Line. A definate pat on the back for Sammy and the crew of Sneak Attack. I feel horrible for Captain T.J. on the Bottom Line, the whole crew is great and the owner is always very personable and gracious. I attached a picture of the Bottom Line, a late model 50 Hatteras without a tower, during better times and a picture of the Sneak Attack a 65 ACY. Sneak Attack deserves a big one today.