[Written by Don Burgess]
“I just did what I had to do”
Captain Sloane Wakefield’s humble words helped avert the serious disaster that could occur when towing a boat on fire from a dock after an explosion rocked the eastern end.
The captain of the Atlantic Charter had just called in to refuel his boat, the Tenacious.
He told Barnews:
Captain Wakefield said he had finished refueling the Tenacious and was about to finish refueling when a thunderous blast came from the boat in front of him.
Events of shattered ears and rattling windows saw other boats go up in flames.
“It was incredible,” said Captain Wakefield. “It was so loud. He’s one of the loudest I’ve ever heard.”
He asked if anyone else was injured on the other boat and was told no.
Wakefield immediately told his brother Lois: We managed to escape the dock before any more damage or other problems occurred. I saw the flames and knew it was the situation and we had to act quickly.
Captain Wakefield returned to the dock rather than consider his own safety.
“We circled around and let my brother down who ran in front of the boat with a grappling hook anchor. is ready.
Captain Wakefield said he didn’t know how long it took him to decide to tow the other boat. I have no concept of time. ”
After pulling the other boats out of danger, he motored away in case of another explosion.
At this point he was in contact with the fire department and informed them that he was still attached to the other boat and tow it to Marginal Wharf. handed the rope to the fire department.
“At that point the bow rail had melted enough that the anchor dropped. They were able to extinguish the flames.”
“I’m very happy that no one was hurt,” he told Barnews.
This video shows the boat being towed.
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Category: Accidents and fires, All, News
