My partner, Capt. Deb Fritz is on scene.
Thanks to BE reader Steve Monrad for the web cam capture.
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The following pictures are courtesy of Capt. Les Hilliard
Related IslandGuardian.com story HERE.
Related SanJuanJournal.com story HERE.
The Coast Guard News Release is HERE.
Coast Guard responds to boat fires in Roche Harbor, Wash.
SEATTLE – The Coast Guard responded to a report of two boats on fire at Roche Harbor Marina, in Roche Harbor, Wash., Wednesday.
Coast Guard Group Port Angeles, Wash., received a call at 2:35 p.m. from the San Juan County 911 dispatch reporting that approximately two boats were on fire in Roche Harbor.
Coast Guard Station Bellingham, Wash., diverted a 33-foot response boat from a patrol.
The San Juan County Fire Department launched a fire boat, the Friday Harbor Fire Department launched land assets and Vessel Assist launched a boat to the scene.
The Coast Guard and Vessel Assist are providing a safety zone around the burning boats and the Friday Harbor Fire Department is conducting the fire fighting.
No people were reported to be on board the boats.
A sheen around the two boats has been reported.
The cause of the incident is under investigation
(Ed. note: I was underway to the Tulalip Tribes Reservation Marina today. Thanks to those who provided coverage of this tragic event.)
Richard, do the Vessel Assist boats have any sort of firefighting capabilities beyond portable extinguishers?
Steve, My partner Deb, dewatered several boats that were taking on water due to fire suppression. We are not trained in Fire Fighting and would not attempt such a effort.
That makes four in the region this fall. The other three were in the news:
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Nanaimo+harbour+marina+rocked+boat+explosions/2129610/story.html
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Fire+crews+Coal+Harbour+marina+boat+blaze/2096670/story.html
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Gallery+Fire+hits+luxury+boats+Coal+Harbour+marina/2096704/story.html
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Fire+destroys+three+yachts+boathouses/2074753/story.html
This sounds suspicious to me.
Amazing how fast these boats go up in flames; I saw a fire up in the Blaine marina ~ very frightening, people were helping to untie boats, but one man was hurt trying to help. Seems too dangerous to do w/o being trained.
I didn’t realize you were a partner in the business Richard. I thought that Les Soland owned Vessel Assist Friday Harbor and A1 Marine and that you and Deb only work part time towing boats.And you only tow boats for three months during the summer months.
Lynn, Both Deb and I are contract drivers for Les.
Richard,
I have thought that you owned and opperated Vessel Assist in Friday Harbor as well as A1 Marine. This is what you have implied. After some research, I can confirm that Les Soland is the owner of both. You are a driver as well as Deb, and have no partners. Mearly working together on some tows does not mean “partners” in the company.
When writing your “blogs” you should be giving credit where credit is due. (to the company as well as the persons actually on the job). It is the company that you should be supporting beings that you are working (contracted) for it.
I do enjoy articles that you have posted. Most recently about the “Oricle”.
Please continue to “blog” about such events as well as current happenings but please do not make yourself out to be the center of all.
Arron
Hello Arron,
Thanks for your comment. You are correct, I am but a driver.
Am not sure how long you’ve followed the blog, but there have been a number of occasions I’ve referred to Les as the boss, partner etc.
Several posts are here: http://bitterendblog.com/?s=soland
It is important to know that A-1 is a small outfit that works closely under sometimes trying conditions. While I’m not a semanticist, I hope you’ll understand that my use of partner (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partner, ) was in the generic sense. Should you find that offensive, accept my apologies.
If there’s a post where you believe I represented myself as the owner please let me know.
One of the great signs of a leader is an individual that allows those on scene to make the calls. Les happens to be one of those folks. Taking responsibility (owning) what I do is important to me.
another marina boat fire:
http://www.timescolonist.com/news/Fire+destroys+boat+Royal+Victoria+Yacht+Club/2260896/story.html