Los Angeles, CA – Two men were burned after a fire ignited on a 25-foot pleasure craft docked in San Pedro on Saturday afternoon, authorities said.
A 78-year-old man was in serious condition, while a 45-year-old man was in fair condition, as both were hospitalized with burn injuries, said Margaret Stewart, spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Fire Department.
The fire erupted as the pair started up the boat’s engine after fueling the watercraft, said Los Angeles Port police Lt. Philip Heem.
The two men were able to escape the boat.
The boat had already been untied from the dock and floated off into the port’s main channel. When Los Angeles city fire crews arrived about 1:25 p.m., the fire was no longer burning, Stewart said.
Fire paramedics transported the men to the hospital. Both were spared of any respiratory injuries, she said.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
Port police seized the boat, described as a cabin cruiser, for their investigation. Heem said boats of this type are typically used for fishing or other leisure activities.
