There were no injuries in a boat fire near the Island Boatyard gas dock Friday; the dramatic blaze spewed a plume of smoke that was visible for miles around.
Around 2 PM, the Shelter Island Town Police, Fire, and EMS were dispatched to a reported boat explosion at the boatyard which lies within West Neck Harbor, according to an SIPD report.
“Upon arrival, a fully involved boat fire was located at the fuel dock,” the report from Det/Sgt Jack H. Thilberg said. “A Shelter Island Police Marine Unit, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Marine Unit and a Sea Tow vessel responded to assist.”
“The Shelter Island Police Boat and the Shelter Island Fire Department worked together and extinguished the fire. The damaged boat was towed near land access and arrangements are being made for its removal.”
According to Thilberg, the boat was an in-board propelled 2002 Cobalt brand boat, with four occupants on the vessel at the time it exploded.
“All four persons were able to escape the fire as they exited onto the gas dock where the vessel had been tied,” his report said. “One additional vessel in a slip at the marina sustained minor damage from the fire debris.”
“The operator reports that he had finished fueling the boat and had turned on the electric vent motor,” Thilberg said. “After waiting five minutes, he turned the key to start the engine and an immediate explosion occurred.”
“Fortunately, all the occupants escaped without injuries that required medical attention,” the report said. “One Firefighter was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and CO exposure and later released.”
After an investigation, SIPD concluded the fire was accidental.
