RARITAN BAY, Staten Island, N.Y. — A vessel with five people on board caught fire in the waters off of Staten Island. Three people were hospitalized from injuries sustained as a result of the boating accident. The Marine Unit from FDNY was dispatched to the fire. Upon arrival in the center of Raritan Bay, the […]
Boat fire near Staten Island
RARITAN BAY, Staten Island, N.Y. — A vessel with five people on board caught fire in the waters off of Staten Island. Three people were hospitalized from injuries sustained as a result of the boating accident. The Marine Unit from FDNY was dispatched to the fire. Upon arrival in the center of Raritan Bay, the Marine Unit found a 23-foot boat on fire. According to a web report by ABC 7 New York, all five people traveling on the Pro-Line craft abandoned ship when the blaze consumed the passenger compartment. At least one other boater saw the fire and rushed over to help save the swimmers from the still-cold waters of Raritan Bay. Two out of the five received medical treatment at the scene, and the other three boaters required hospitalization.
Fire officials recognize that the waters around New York will become busier now that the summer has unofficially arrived. FDNY officials understand that pleasure boating is a tremendous amount of fun. However, the FDNY cautions boaters to bear in mind the dangers that accompany pleasure boating.
Lastly, the FDNY said that every boat trip must begin with a plan for safety. All boats must contain safety equipment. At a minimum, boaters must have a sounding device for signaling for help. Many people use a marine whistle as a sounding device. Additionally, a fire extinguisher must always be on board along with one life jacket for every passenger.
The FDNY recommends additional safety items for boaters as well. The FDNY says that boaters must have a CPR mask, first aid kit, gloves, a carbon monoxide detector, and at least one warming blanket. Additionally, the FDNY suggests keeping a marine VHF radio onboard as well. A marine VHF radio will allow struggling boaters to call the FDNY when in waters off of New York City or the United States Coast Guard when further out to sea.
