FALMOUTH – A boat caught fire in Megansett Harbor a few hundred yards offshore of Falmouth around 2:30 PM Friday. The vessel reportedly was fully involved in flames. Fortunately the Coast Guard was quickly on scene and the two adults and two children on board were rescued and uninjured. Falmouth Fire-Rescue was standing by and Falmouth DNR was also responding as well as a commercial salvage company.
Statement from Falmouth Fire-Rescue: The Falmouth Fire Rescue Department received a call for a boat fire with persons abandoning the vessel at 2:31 PM. The vessel was departing Megansett Harbor, approximately 200 yards offshore. The North Falmouth District ambulance was sent directly to the scene with the Shift Commander from HQ’s. FFRD fireboat Marine 1 was dispatched from Falmouth Harbor with operators and an engine company from HQ’s as well.
Two adults & two children abandoned the vessel onto two kayaks they were towing and nearby pleasure vessels who assisted. The 1972 23ft Seacraft became fully involved, burning to the waterline. The USCG, Falmouth Harbormaster, Bourne FD, the Towns of Marion & Mattapoisett, and Towboat US & Sea Tow also responded. The commercial towing entities were on the scene first, with Towboat US extinguishing the remainder of the fire with a salvage pump. The boat was then towed to the Megansett boat ramp to alleviate the possibility of it sinking. This eliminated the chance of the vessel becoming a hazard to navigation and any possible environmental hazards.
No persons onboard were injured after evaluation by ambulance crews at the Megansett Harbor dock. The Falmouth Harbormaster is investigating the incident and the FFRD is conducting a fire investigation. At this time it appears accidental. The vessel was placed back on the owner’s trailer and removed from the boat ramp, with the last units clearing at 4:30 PM.
