Photo reprinted with permission by KOMO News.
When a trawler caught fire last week at the Bremerton Yacht Club in Washington, not only did the owner jump overboard to save his two dogs, but maneuvered the burning vessel to ensure the fire didn’t spread to other boats.
Komo News reported that liveaboards Michael and Jamie Babbitt lost everything in the blaze. The boat was a total loss.
Michael Babbitt was maneuvering Doctor’s Orders out of his slip to go take on fuel when the engine room caught fire, according to Komo. Fearing the wind would blow the disabled and burning vessel back onto the yacht club docks he took the boat to the middle of the bay. He then put his two bulldogs on a paddleboard before jumping into the water himself.
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Friend Heidi Brandt is organizing this fundraiser on behalf of the Babbitts. Here’s what she said on gofundme:
It is a somber day for our BYC family. A captain and his family lost their boat (and home) in a tragic fire. Acting quickly the captain piloted his boat while under fire to safe harbor to avoid Putting other boats at risk. The captain served 5 years in the Middle East. He and his family are well liked and respected by the boating community. In this time of need, let’s please help them get back on there feet. Our thoughts are with them tonight and for there long recovery ahead. The family, and dogs, made it out safely.
As of this writing, the gofundme drive had raised $7,500 toward its $10,000 goal.
