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UPDATE: ‘Engine malfunction caused powerboat fire’ – Nick Willis

- One injured
The powerboat reportedly suffered an engine malfunction, which resulted in the blaze. One person was injured in the incident off Beef Island. Photo: Team of Reporters
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. Photo: Team of Reporters
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. Photo: Team of Reporters
Officers of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue tending to the boat. Photo: Team of Reporters
Officers of the Virgin Islands Fire and Rescue tending to the boat. Photo: Team of Reporters
The boat following the extinguishing of the flames. Photo: Team of Reporters
The boat following the extinguishing of the flames. Photo: Team of Reporters
LEVERICK BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI - Owner of Leverick Bay and coordinator of the Leverick Bay Poker Run, Nick Willis said the boat that caught fire off Beef Island yesterday May 24, 2015 had reportedly suffered an engine malfunction that resulted in the blaze.

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.

15 Responses to “UPDATE: ‘Engine malfunction caused powerboat fire’ – Nick Willis”

  • Cousin I (24/05/2015, 14:09) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    hope they are ok what are they names were they all males or females also
  • cay (24/05/2015, 14:16) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    oh no hope they are safe!
  • be safe (24/05/2015, 15:34) Like (12) Dislike (3) Reply
    have fun and be safe remember to check your stuff properly before you go out and they run them within the advised manufacturer limits
  • Beef swat team (24/05/2015, 16:04) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Beef is the real fire unit
  • chad (24/05/2015, 19:03) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    This poker run needs a special insurance.
    • OhBoy (26/05/2015, 07:08) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Glad they are all safe...incidentally, this wasn't caused by NDP?
    • Big-D (28/05/2015, 21:51) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      You either have insurance or you don't IF you own a car you have to buy insurance if you own a boat you also should have insurance.What if it didn't have poker run what would you say. Accident happened at any time.
  • cornelious (24/05/2015, 20:02) Like (13) Dislike (10) Reply
    thank god it happened beef island for if it was west end NDP has the fire unit closed!
  • boater (24/05/2015, 21:41) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    They always rushing to get these boats ready for Poker run
    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.
  • c..0 (24/05/2015, 23:17) Like (58) Dislike (5) Reply
    VIP cuz lol jajaja
  • bbviaa atc (25/05/2015, 15:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bviaa RFFS are the real RFFS that put out the fire ood job members of blue watch
  • VG (25/05/2015, 22:03) Like (6) Dislike (26) Reply
    Shame on you Nick Willis!!! Only thinking about your event and not concerned about the injured. These people make your event NOT YOU!!!!!
    • Jones (26/05/2015, 09:35) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think you missed the point of his comment. If you think Mr.Willis is so shameful, how much will an event that you organize give to local charity?
  • west (25/05/2015, 22:11) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    you mean teh boat still floating? jah
  • Lily Ann (28/05/2015, 18:50) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply

    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 !!!!!



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