UPDATE: 2nd boat fire in 3 years leaves local fisherman devastated
Before he could have left his home; however, he received the news that his boat- ‘Amigo III’- was on fire in the harbour at Baughers Bay.
According to reports reaching our newsroom, persons said they heard a loud explosion around 4:20am.
By the time Fire and Rescue Services extinguished the fire, there was already significant damages to the vessel, including a burnt engine.
The livelihood of Mr Frometa and three of his crewmen, as well as their families, has now been severely impacted.
2nd boat fire
“This is a hard time for me and my workmen,” Mr Frometa told Virgin Islands News Online, adding that it is the only thing that he does for a living and has been doing for the past 39 years, starting as a teen when he accompanied his father out to sea.
What is adding to the frustration of Mr Frometa is that it is the second time in 3 years he has lost a fishing vessel due to fire.
Asked if he suspects arson, Mr Frometa said it would be difficult for him to believe that.
“I try to make an honest living, I keep out of trouble, I have no problems with anybody and I don’t owe anybody,” Mr Frometa remarked.
He said forensic police were on the scene but he is yet to give a statement.
The fisherman said he has felt really down at his plight and noted that his customers have also expressed shock and others have sought to comfort him.
Meanwhile, Chief Fire officer Mr Zebalon A. McLean confirmed that his officers responded to reports of a boat fire in Baughers Bay this morning and that an investigation is underway.
“The fire was confined to the cabin area, which was damaged severely,” Mr McLean commented.
See previous article published November 18, 2020
Fishing boat destroyed by fire in Baughers Bay
A fishing boat was destroyed by fire in Baughers Bay early this morning, Wednesday, November 18, 2020.
According to information reaching our newsroom, persons reported hearing an explosion around 4:20am.
Police are currently on the scene.
More details to follow.
.png)
Follow Us On
27 Responses to “ UPDATE: 2nd boat fire in 3 years leaves local fisherman devastated”
He don't even live in Baugher's Bay. To my knowledge he from the East. I know it is very expensive to move or demolish it but he have to find a solution to destroy it asap.
I guess it wasn't insured since it was not operational for a while.
His boat went on fire 3 years ago, a fishing boat with 3 powerful outboards on the back of it. This is all related
Get an awareness campaign going to stop the violence period!
The District has to stop babying them and parents have to stand up for what is right instead of saying nothing in fear of how their child would react.
Black lives will matter the day blacks stop killing blacks and I say that as a BVIslander.
They need to stop Hauling other people fish pots,the other boats that were burnt there a few years ago need to leave people fish traps alone.