A fishing vessel caught fire almost 50 miles offshore from Brookings, Oregon, last Tuesday. Three fishermen were onboard the Mariah K at the time of the fire, and all survived. However, Emanuel Silveira remains in critical condition due to burns.
At around 8 p.m., the Coast Guard was notified of the vessel’s fire. According to Petty Officer Briana Carter with the U.S. Coast Guard 13th District, a nearby sportfishing vessel, Eli’s Tide, reported the fire to the Columbia River Coast Guard Sector and was on hand helping with rescue efforts. Carter told sources, “The only information I have about the burning vessel is it was actively on fire when we arrived. This was quite a few miles offshore.”
The three individuals had jumped overboard and were eventually transferred to a 47-foot motor lifeboat from the Chetco River Coast Guard Station. According to Curry Pilot, one survivor needed a medevac from the Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay aircrew. They were all brought to the San Francisco UCSF Health Saint Francis Hospital.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation; however, according to the GoFundMe in support of Silveria, the engine had exploded at some point, causing the boat to be irreparable. Silveria is also expected to remain in the hospital for three months as he begins treatments for burns that cover 60% of his body.
His aunt has been in contact with sources and shared, “We all appreciate the community support, especially the commercial California/ Oregon community, and all the prayers and well wishes.”
