Derelict boat burns in Penn Cove

WHIDBEY ISLAND — A fire continued to smolder Sunday morning aboard a derelict 128-foot fishing boat anchored in Penn Cove off Whidbey Island.

Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard and local fire departments received reports of a boat fire about 11:45 p.m. Saturday.

The non-operational boat, Deep Sea, was completely engulfed in flames. Crews attempted to extinguish the blaze but pulled back after water from their firefighting efforts appeared to cause the vessel to list.

Officials were worried any additional water would sink the boat.

The fire flared back up and continued to smolder into Sunday afternoon.

No one was aboard the boat and no injuries were reported.

Coast Guard crews set up a safety zone around the boat.

Officials with the state Department of Ecology are investigating to determine if there is any contamination to the water and nearby mussel pens.

Article source: http://heraldnet.com/article/20120513/NEWS01/705139897/0/SPORTS01

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