Two Rescued After Sailboat Catches Fire Off Ocean City Coast

Two people and their dog were rescued three miles off the coast of Ocean City after a sailboat caught on fire on Sunday.

According to the United States Coast Guard, emergency officials were able to reach the scene and rescue the boaters from their dinghy after they abandoned their sailboat.

One of the people notified watch standers at Coast Guard Delaware Bay that their boat had caught fire around 10:49 a.m. Officials were on the scene by 11:02 a.m.

Those who were rescued were not injured.

“The owner’s understanding of emergency procedures allowed for a quick Coast Guard response,” Petty Officer First Class Nancy Santiago said. “His vessel was equipped with VHF marine radio, life jackets and a dinghy, all crucial to the safety of the people aboard and their dog.”

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Several eyewitnesses shared photos of the burning boat.

Photo Credit: The Martino Family