2 rescued after Seattle-based boat catches fire
The Portlock, a 60-foot fishing vessel, was approximately 10 miles from the coast of Long Beach when its crew members reported the fire around 4 p.m.
The pair was able to communicate their location before hopping on a life raft, officials said.
The Cutter Active, a Port Angeles-based Coast Guard vessel, was 8 miles away from the burning vessel at the time and was diverted to assist.
Also called were an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria and a 47-foot motor lifeboat from Station Cape Disappointment.
A small boat crew retrieved the two men from their life raft and transferred them to the motor life boat. The men were not injured.
The vessel had approximately 400 gallons of diesel fuel and two propane tanks on board at the time. To minimize its impact on the coastal environment, Coast Guard crews sunk the Portlock after consulting the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal officials.
Investigators said the blaze started in the engine room. The cause of the fire was not known.
