After Fire, It’s a Done Deal for Fishing Boat in Delaware Bay

It was definitely a done deal for the fishing craft Done Deal after a midday fire on the boat Tuesday in Delaware Bay. Luckily for the sole occupant of the boat, it's not a done deal for him.

The boater was rescued from the water after he jumped from his vessel when it caught fire just before 11 am Tuesday.

The 42-foot fishing boat nicknamed ‘Done Deal’ from Tampa, Florida became engulfed in flames while floating near Delaware Bay's main shipping channel.

A Cumberland County dispatcher called the Coast Guard after a good Samaritan reported the boat on fire.

Response boat crews from the Downe Township Fire and Rescue and Little Creek Fire Company in Delaware, arrived on-scene and fought the fire until it was extinguished.

The Coast Guard rescue crew took the boater to Higbee’s Marina in Fortescue where he was treated for possible smoke inhalation.

“It is important to highlight the teamwork involved in ensuring the safe recovery of the boater and extinguishing the fire,” said Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Higgins, the search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay.

“The efficient and fast communications from everyone involved, especially from the good Samaritan, were critical in saving this man’s life today.”

The fire is under investigation.