4 people, dog rescued after boat explodes off Georgia coast

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — Four people were injured when a boat exploded Thursday near the St. Simons Island Sound off the coast of Georgia, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard rescued four people and a dog after a 58-foot fishing vessel called Predator caught fire and exploded.

Officials received a mayday call was just before 4 a.m. from a person who said the boat caught fire and the crew was abandoning ship.

Frank Owens, of City Market Seafood, identified the owners of the boat as Robert and Charles Long. He said the pair supply seafood for his retail seafood shop.

The Longs were aboard the boat with two crewmen and their dog, Chopper, on Thursday morning when they saw smoke in the pilot house, according to Owens. All five jumped ship, including Chopper, he said.

Owens said they didn't know how long they were in the water before the Coast Guard rescued them. The Coast Guard said they were rescued just before 4:30 a.m. Authorities said that the crew reported minor injuries.

Owens said the Longs think a wiring problem with the generator caused the fire. Its cause is under investigation.

An urgent marine broadcast is being issued, warning other mariners of debris and hazards in the area, according to the Coast Guard.

Cox Media Group