BOSTON – Coast Guard crews responded to a report of two people in the water after a boat exploded around 1 a.m., today near Winter Harbor, Maine.
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England in Portland, Maine, received a call around 12:45 a.m., from the Hancock County Sheriff Department reporting two people in the water near the 25-foot lobster boat, First Run, when it burst into flames while anchored offshore in Bunker Harbor.
An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod, a 47-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Southwest Harbor, the Coast Guard Cutter Moray, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Jonesport, the Maine Marine Patrol, state and local police and local fire departments searched for the men.
The search was ended after the Maine Marine Patrol confirmed both men were out of the water. No injuries were reported. The Maine Marine Patrol is investigating the incident.
The First Run drifted back to shore and is no longer burning. There have been no reports of pollution. The owner is making arrangements to salvage the vessel.
On scene weather was 12 knot winds with calm seas and good visibility.
“All of the agencies communicated really well during the response,” said Chief Petty Officer Ray Mahannah, a command duty officer at Sector Northern New England. “Everyone worked together to make sure no one was injured and to prevent any pollution.”
