Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: DEC. 07, 2007

Contact:  LT Mark Molavi              (713) 678-9035

FISHING VESSEL CATCHES FIRE IN GALVESTON BAY

HOUSTON - The Coast Guard responded to a boat fire this morning in Galveston Bay.

At 8:24 a.m., the Houston Pilots notified the Coast Guard that a boat was on fire in the vicinity of Eagle Point. The Coast Guard dispatched one HH-65C helicopter from Air Station Houston and two rescue boats from Station Galveston to the fire. The Galveston County Sheriff's Office also sent a marine unit.

Other fishing vessels in the area removed the two people from the 30-foot fishing vessel Captain Orlando.  The fire currently is smoldering and witnesses reported seeing small explosions from the fishing vessel as it started to sink. The Coast Guard is enforcing a 200-yard safety zone around the sinking boat.

No pollution has been reported and the fishing vessel remains outside the Houston Ship Channel.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790