PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. — A sailboat explosion on Sunday resulted in two individuals suffering severe burns, triggering an extensive emergency response from East Jefferson Fire Rescue. The incident occurred around noon near Glen Cove, prompting quick action from rescue teams.
Emergency services were alerted to the explosion at 11:58 a.m. when Vessel Assist received a distress signal from the sailboat occupants who had managed to evacuate the vessel. The pair was subsequently found in a dinghy with their dog. The status of the pet remains unclear.
Following their rescue, both individuals were transported to a fuel dock at Boat Haven, where paramedics were on standby. They sustained burns covering over 20% of their body and were later airlifted to the Burn Unit at Harborview Medical Center for treatment.
East Jefferson Fire Rescue deployed multiple units, including Marine 1 and additional emergency medical services, to the scene. The Department of Ecology and the U.S. Coast Guard were also informed of the unfolding situation due to the potential environmental implications.
During the boat fire incident, the fire district faced a challenging scenario as multiple simultaneous emergency calls left it in a “status-zero” condition, meaning no units were available for additional emergencies. This situation, where fire resources are fully committed, is becoming more frequent, prompting the agency to call in all available volunteers and off-duty personnel to bolster their response.
In addition, Engine 91 from the U.S. Navy, stationed on Indian Island, was engaged with a separate emergency call in the area. Although neighboring jurisdictions such as Quilcene, Kitsap, and Clallam counties were alerted for mutual aid, they ultimately were not required.
As of early afternoon, efforts to control the sailboat fire continued, with Marine 1 actively involved in firefighting operations. Fire officials are assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the cause of the explosion, while also prioritizing the safety and recovery of the affected individuals.