Fire Strikes Luxury Sailboat Near Haulover

SUNNY ISLES, FL — Flames swept through a 41-foot luxury sailboat on Thursday morning and the smoke could be seen as far as eight miles away. The fire broke out near Haulover Inlet. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Marine unit both responded to the blaze.

The call came in at 7:28 a.m. over VHF 16 marine radio. (Sign up for our free Daily Newsletters and Breaking News Alerts for the Miami Beach Patch.)

See related stories on Patch: Boating Fatalities Up 12 Percent Across US and Boating Safety: How to Avoid Troubled Waters

"When Fireboat 21 left Haulover inlet, they can see a black column of smoke at least eight miles off shore," said Erika Benitez of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

Like your Miami Beach Patch

She said that the owner of the boat made it safely aboard one of the rescue vessels.

"Fireboat 21 started working on the fire by utilizing several firefighting techniques specifically used for boat fires," she said. "Shortly after, MDFR Fireboat 73 arrived as well assisting to put out the fire. The fire was contained and extinguished."

Despite the damage to his vessel, the owner of the boat praised first responders for their quick response, according to Benitez.

"Firefighters working this fire were able to keep the vessel from sinking, avoid an environmental hazard," she added. "Thanks to the great collaboration of all agencies involved, there were no injuries and a tragedy was avoided."

Lt George Izquierdo of Fireboat 21 stressed that they should perform a safety equipment check every time they sail.

"Common emergency procedures need to be followed by all mariners," Izquierdoexplained. "Know where your fire extinguishers are as well as doing a full equipment check before heading out an any type of vessel."

Fortunately, he said the owner of the boat that caught fire on Thursday knew how to call for help on the marine radio.

"Luckily, the owner of the boat knew how to communicate his emergency and was able to assist all rescuers to his location," he said. "MDFR Fireboats are always ready and we proudly serve our community."

Photos courtesy of Miami-Dade Fire Rescue