ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK 99
FIRE AT SEA

Photo courtesy of the Antigua Sun

About an hour into race 3 of Antigua Sailing Week 99 we were off Johnson's point sailing toward English Harbour. Looking back towards the start line we saw an ominous plume of black smoke spread across the horizon. One of the Cruiser Racer boats, a 50 foot Beneteau named MARIPOSA had caught fire.

Several possible causes circulated ranging from a broken fuel line to an electrical short circuit. Either way the fire quickly took hold of the vessel. Although the boat sank, several racing boats sacrificed their race to go to their assistance and all the crew were saved.

The crew was staying on the boat so they lost everything but a life ring and a couple of T-shirts. After medical treatment they were given clothes and hotel rooms by the Department of Tourism.

We were all sorry for their bad experience but hope they will return to compete another day.

 

Return to our account of Antigua Sailing Week 99.