One person rescued after boat fire in Antioch

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At 11:51 a.m. Saturday, firefighters from the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District responded to a report of a boat fire near the Antioch Marina boat ramp.

According to preliminary information, a boat was on fire approximately 200 yards from the boat ramp with possibly 1-3 people in the delta waters. It was also reported that other boats in the area may have been rendering assistance and pushing the boat toward Pittsburg before it was fully involved.

While responding, Contra Costa County firefighters reported a column of black smoke coming from Highway 4. Once on scene, the boat was determined to be fully involved.

At 12:02 p.m., it was determined that the boat was occupied by a single occupant who sustained minor injuries. It is unclear whether he swam to shore or whether another wild boar in the area brought him there. He suffered minor burns.

Officers from the Antioch Police Department were also on scene to assist.

No further information was available.

Related

• May 24 – Contra Costa County Sheriff Offers Safety Tips for Boating Season
• The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff's Marine Services Unit would like to remind boaters of important laws, rules and tips:
  • Any person 60 years of age or younger who operates a vessel powered by an engine, whether or not the engine is the primary source of propulsion, must carry a California Boater Card. By 2025, everyone operating a motorboat will be required to have a California Boater Card. For more information, visit: Californiaboatercard.com.
  • All vessels, including stand-up paddleboards (SUPs), must have a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person. The life jacket must be suitable for the person who intends to wear it. Children under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket on board any vessel, regardless of its length, unless surrounded by an enclosed cabin or bulkhead. We encourage everyone, regardless of age, to wear a personal flotation device at all times while on the water.
  • The law allows children ages 12 to 15 to operate boats with an engine of more than 15 horsepower or sailboats longer than 30 feet if supervised on board by an adult at least 18 years of age in possession a California Boater Card.
  • Boats 16 feet and larger must be equipped with a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life preserver or disposable flotation device that must be immediately accessible.
  • Always travel at a safe speed. Slow down in narrow canals and blind areas and navigate on the right side of the waterway. In the event of a crossing, the boat on the right has priority.
  • The operator of a vessel involved in towing a skier must display or cause to be displayed a red or orange water ski flag to indicate a downed skier, a skier in the water preparing to ski, an extended ski line for the ship, or a skier in the water near the ship.
  • Blue Light Law — Any vessel approaching, overtaking, being approached or overtaken by a moving law enforcement or emergency vessel operating with a siren or blue light on, or any vessel approaching A stopped law enforcement vessel displaying an illuminated blue light must immediately slow to a speed sufficient to maintain direction. Boaters cannot leave a wake near a law enforcement vessel displaying a blue light.
  • Always have an emergency kit including a flashlight, warm clothing, cell phone, VHF radio and map. In the event of an emergency on the water, boaters should call 911 or Sheriff's Dispatch at (925) 646-2441. Be sure to file a flotation plan before you leave.
  • Go to this link for more information on floating plans and how to complete one:
  • Be aware of potential carbon monoxide poisoning that can occur when the engine is running while occupying the swim platform or near the transom of the vessel.
  • Combating browsing under the influence (BUI) is a high priority. People arrested for BUI will face the same consequences as those who operate a motor vehicle under the influence, including fines and possible jail time.