A 34-foot sailboat caught fire in Coral Bay harbor last week, filling the sky with plumes of smoke.
A 34-foot Morgan sailboat caught fire and sank in Coral Bay last week.
Black clouds were seen billowing from the western side of the harbor on Wednesday afternoon, February 13, as V.I. Fire Service personnel monitored the flames from shore about 50 yards away.
V.I. Fire Service has a station in Coral Bay not far from where the fire broke out, however, the company does not have a fire boat and officials were unable to attempt to extinguish the flames.
Instead, a fire truck was stationed on the shoreline near Island Blues bar to monitor the blaze.
The fire was reported at 2 p.m. and the boat sank just after 4 p.m., according to witnesses.
While the vessel was a live-aboard, no one was on board the boat when the fire broke out and no injuries were reported.
The sailboat, s/v Perstary has long called St. John home having been owned by several different sailors over the years. The current owner’s name was identified as Rick Best, according to the St. Thomas Source.
The fire was initially blamed on electrical issues, however, the exact cause of the blaze will be determined after the vessel is hauled out of the water.
U.S. Coast Guard officials will be responsible for removing the sunken vessel and Department of Planning and Natural Resources will investigate any damages to the sea floor, according to a report in the V.I. Daily News.