At approximately 9:08 this morning, Portland Fire and Rescue along with firefighters from the Port of Portland responded to reports of a boat on fire with three people in the water.

Reports are that the victims had just finished fueling the boat and were pulling away from the dock when there was an explosion. The victims were thrown from the boat by the explosion. Two of the victims were removed from the water immediately while the third became trapped in debris and was pulled under momentarily.

Firefighters arrived to find that all three people had been removed from the water by nearby boaters and bystanders on the dock. The boat, a 32' Wellcraft, was unfortunately destroyed. Firefighters prepared the victims for transport to nearby hospital trauma centers. Two of the victims were transported by ambulance to OHSU while the third and most serious went by ambulance to Emanuel. The exact extent of injuries suffered by the victims is unknown at the point but victims were able to talk to investigators. The victims are reported as two males and one female, all adult. Portland Fire and Rescue will not be releasing patient names or the extent of injuries.

There was some damage to the dock fueling facility and a "slick" was reported in the river. The slick will be assessed by the Coast Guard and Environmental Services. The investigation will be completed by the Multnomah County Sheriffs Office and Portland Fire & Rescue.

Responding agencies included Portland Fire & Rescue, Port of Portland Fire Department, Multnomah County Sheriffs, and the Coast Guard.

Tips to Keep You Safe

Portland Fire & Rescue reminds you to take a boaters safety course and know your equipment.

March 26, 2010