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Three Sailors Rescued from Boat Fire

By Christine Weaver | October 17, 2016 | Los Angeles, CA |
At some point during the fire, Laetitia’s rig collapsed.

© 2016 Petty Officer 2nd Class Philip Gilbert / USCG

The USCG, along with several local agencies, rescued three sailors after their 44-ft sailboat caught fire Friday, near Rancho Palos Verdes, a city in Los Angeles County west of Long Beach.

The Coast Guard received a mayday call via VHF radio channel 16 from the Swan 44 Laetitia, reporting that the vessel’s engine had caught fire and begun to spread. The three sailors aboard were directed to put on life jackets and move to the bow of the boat to keep away from the fire.

Crews from Harbor Patrol and Lifeguard boats fight the fire.

© Petty Officer 3rd Class Gina Miele / USCG

The Coast Guard immediately launched a 45-ft response boat from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach and the cutter Blacktip, an 87-ft patrol boat, homeported in Channel Islands Harbor, to assist in the rescue. A Los Angeles City Fire Department boat crew, a Los Angeles County Lifeguard boat crew, four Baywatch vessels and an LAFD helicopter crew also assisted in the rescue.

A sad end to a fine vessel. Fortunately, the crew aboard were rescued in time.

© Petty officer 2nd Class Philip Gilbert / USCG

At 3:30 on Friday afternoon, one of the sailors jumped into the water and was quickly and safely picked up by the L.A. County Lifeguards. The Coast Guard small-boat crew safely transferred the other two individuals to Blacktip. One of the mariners had burned hands; the other two were reported to be in good condition. All three were taken to Marina del Rey.

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