UPDATE: ‘Engine malfunction caused powerboat fire’ – Nick Willis
Speaking to this news site, Willis said, “There was a malfunction of the engine and it caught fire but why don’t you focus on what a great event (Poker Run) it was?”
He lambasted this news site for focusing on the issue of the boat fire even though the Poker Run event itself received extensive coverage by this site.
Speaking to this news site today, Fire Chief Zebalon A. McLean confirmed that the boat on fire was extinguished by airport fire officers. He confirmed that one passenger of the boat received minor burns.
President of the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) John P. Aspinall clarified an earlier statement he made yesterday.
He said that he later found out that contrary to his earlier position, the boat in question was indeed on the water.
He said firemen had already had the situation under control and as such VISAR had little role to play and concentrated its efforts on the ongoing races.
See previous story published May 24, 2015
Powerboat catches afire @ Beef Island
Officers from the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue Services, with the aid of persons on other boats, were successful in putting out a fire believed to be from an explosion on a powerboat on Beef Island today May 24, 2015.
Speaking to this news site this afternoon, Fire Chief Zebalon A. McLean said he could not at that time confirm whether or not the boat had an explosion which will be determined following the investigation.
“But firemen can confirm that it was on fire and there were some other boats assisting in putting out the blaze and they managed to make it to Red Bay,” he said.
“Everything is preliminary right now but I am hoping to get a full report,” said McLean.
Coordinator of Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) John P. Aspinall confirmed that the fire did take place but said the boat was on a trailer the whole time and had not been in the water.
“It is a land based problem. It was a powerboat that had been on a trailer at East End. It was on a ramp and it never left the trailer. Fire and Rescue had responded and they dealt with it,” said Aspinall.
He said VISAR patrols are on the water for the ongoing Poker Run. He stated that the boat operators might have been hoping to compete in the run but never made it to the water.
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15 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘Engine malfunction caused powerboat fire’ – Nick Willis”
and they had all year to fix them. That is a common problem
here.
Glad to know they are ok, let it be a lesson learned.
I'm appalled at Mr Willis comment !!!! It's someone SON, BROTHER, UNCLE, FATHER --- You never know if his other family members are at a local bar catching up on the event --- and NOT KNOWING about his well being on the water --- hence, theres where the media coverage comes in !!! My word, if your event didn't get coverage by this Media, you don't have to feel put off by that --- furthermore, EVERYONE is on Facebook -- everyone catches up on the event thru that medium --- There were several lone photogs in the area covering all aspects of your event !!! hmmm ----- WOW ------ This thing between isn't dead at ALL !!!!!