By: Louie Chiang

A fire broke out on a pleasure boat on Sunday evening in Long Beach, CA, leading to the loss of two women in their 60s. Additionally, two men and one woman, also in their 60s, were injured with burns and quickly taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, according to Long Beach Fire Captain Jake Heflin.

The Long Beach Fire Department received an emergency call around 5:17 p.m., and fire engines and rescue boats were immediately sent to the scene. Witnesses mentioned to rescue workers that the boat was being fueled at the time of the incident.

Firefighters responded swiftly and used powerful water jets to put out a significant part of the fire. To prevent the fire from spreading in the wind, they called for additional firefighters from the county.

Thick, dark smoke filled the air as the brave firefighters fought the flames from both the land and the water. Daniel Quinn, who works at a nearby restaurant, heard a loud explosion and saw a huge cloud of smoke rise.

Measures were taken to minimize environmental harm from potential fuel or oil leaks. However, while the damaged boat began to sink while it was en route to an isolated dock and is now partially underwater. The city of Long Beach plans to hire a professional salvage company to remove the boat from the water safely.

No firefighters were hurt during the incident, but they will be given mental health support, if needed, to help them deal with any emotional trauma resulting from this distressing experience.

Authorities are actively investigating to the exact cause of the fire and gathering crucial information to prevent similar accidents in the future.