Nearby Good Samaritans leaped into action yesterday evening when an explosion occurred on a fishing vessel offshore about a quarter-mile west of Sandy Point (see map below). As a result of their quick response, two injured people were able to be brought to shore to receive treatment.
According to Whatcom County Fire District 17 Chief Jim Petrie, the two people aboard the vessel had jumped into the water after the explosion. Fortunately, there were several other boats nearby who were quick to respond and pull them out. The injured boaters were taken to Gooseberry Point where they were able to be transported to a rendezvous location where they were transferred to an aid vehicle and taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center.
According to Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read, they received the call yesterday about 5:45pm to respond to a vessel fire. The vessel had been burned to the waterline and the injured transported when they arrived. It was unknown the type, only that it was a 25-foot gas-powered vessel.
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Click for more informationPetrie said his agency stood by at the West Beach shoreline in case the vessel floated toward the shore while on fire. It eventually sank offshore.
The cause of the explosion and condition of the two injured were not known.
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