Video: Coast Guard Rescues Boaters from Yacht Fire

Coast Guard rescuers hoisted two people from a burning boat Thursday near Fisherman’s Island off of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

The boaters radioed the Coast Guard alerting them that the 50-foot boat “Delgatie” was on fire and they needed help. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter hoisted the two people and took them to Coast Guard Base Portsmouth to be assessed for injuries.

Fire boat crews from the Virginia Beach Fire Department and the York County Fire Department stayed on scene to put out the fire.

 U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Station Cape Charles/Released

The Coast Guard applauds the boat’s operators for following good safety procedures: 

“The boaters did everything right; they used their radio, and it led to their rescue, ” said Petty Officer First Class Brian R. Richardson of Sector Hampton Roads.

At last check, the owners were working to salvage the boat. There’s no word on what caused the fire.