Coast Guard Rescues Boater After Fishing Vessel Fire 100 Miles West of Clearwater

December 15, 2025 

CLEARWATER — A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a boater Sunday, December 14, 2025, after a commercial fishing vessel caught fire approximately 100 miles west of Clearwater.

The boater was located in a life raft near the burning vessel and was reported to be in stable condition. No medical treatment was required.

According to the Coast Guard, Southeast District watchstanders received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) activation at 3:27 p.m. and coordinated the launch of a helicopter crew. The aircrew located the boater at approximately 5:46 p.m. in seas measuring 2 to 4 feet with winds around 14 knots. A rescue swimmer was deployed, and the survivor was hoisted into the helicopter.

“The boater was able to quickly deploy a life raft and abandon their burning vessel,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Isaiah Andrews, a search and rescue controller at the Coast Guard Southeast District command center. “Through quick actions and the utilization of an emergency position indicating radio beacon, our aircrew was able to narrow the search area for a timely rescue.”

Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders continuously monitor the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking system and coordinate with partner agencies to deploy assets for emergency cases.

The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire.

This is the importance of having safety equipment, especially EPIRBs while boating.