JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued four fisherman Thursday after the boat the four were on caught fire and exploded near St. Simons Island Sound, Georgia.
A Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat—Medium crew from Station Brunswick, Georgia, located and rescued the crew and their dog from the 58-foot fishing vessel Predator.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center watch standers received a mayday call from the fishing vessel crew at 3:53 a.m. stating their vessel had caught fire, and they were abandoning ship. Station Brunswick crews launched and located the vessel. The fisherman were rescued at 4:25 a.m. and taken to Station Brunswick at 4:38 a.m. where EMS was waiting.
The crew sustained minor injuries but were reported to be in good condition.
An urgent marine broadcast is being issued, warning other mariners of debris and hazards in the area.
Coast Guard pollution investigators are en route.
The cause of the fire in currently under investigation.
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