Tarpon Basin lies on the east side of the Waterway in the northeast corner of Buttonwood Sound.

Coast Guard, partner agencies respond to vessel fire in Tarpon Basin near Key Largo

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MIAMI — The Coast Guard, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission responded to a vessel fire Thursday in Tarpon Basin in Key Largo.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West Command Center received a call from Coast Guard Station Islamorada at approximately 6 a.m. stating they received a report of a vessel fire in Tarpon Basin. The station self-launched a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement boatcrew to respond.

The station SPC—LE crew arrived on scene and assisted in putting out the fire on a 50-foot houseboat using the wash from their propellers. 

“Once on scene we got together with our partner agencies to help establish a safety zone to keep other vessel traffic out of harms way,” said Petty Officer 1st Class John Fleming, operations petty officer, Station Islamorada. “We also monitored the fire due to the close proximity to the mangroves and it’s potential for impacting the environment.” 

There were no reported people aboard and no reported injuries. 

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to keep aware of fire hazards and stay prepared with functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, portable fire extinguishers or on board fire extinguishing systems.

For more information on boat safety requirements, please visit www.uscgboating.org

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