On 7/24/2012, at about 01:00am, a 1983, 25' Bayliner auxiliary sailboat ran aground on some rocks on the South side of Spiden Island.  The owner/operator reported that he was sailing in relatively calm waters when a part of his sail broke.  He was attempting to fix it when he drifted into the rocks or a reef near Spiden Island.  He began to list to the side as the tide went out and he figured the boat would just lay on its side and float again when the tide came back in.  However, he stated he was on the edge of the reef and the boat just continued to roll and he believed it was going to capsize.   

Operator said he did not want the gasoline going into the sound so he attempted to bring it from down below.  At some point in the process, Operator spilled some gasoline causing a fire.  He was not sure how the fire started stating it might have been due to the electrical system, a candle, or his cigarette.  He repeated this several times before settling on the candle as the cause of the fire.  Operator transferred some personal items to the island and got off the sailboat as it burned.   

Operator was picked up by a Coast Guard helicopter and transported to Bellingham where he declined treatment.  The helicopter staff reported not being able to smell any alcohol on him but believed he had mental health issues.  He was checked by EMTs and did not appear to have any obvious injures.  He appeared to have singed hair and redness to his face but declined treatment.  He was transported to a motel per his request. 

Law enforcement reported that despite Operator's obvious mental heal issues, they did not have enough to prove he was an imminent danger to himself or others based on his comments.  It is unknown if Operator set the fire or if it was truly an accident.  He had one Orion marine hand held flare in his pocket and made the comment he had 5 of them before "this all happened".  He gave the flare to law enforcement stating he did not want it.  The flare was booked into evidence. 

PFD use is unknown.  There were no injuries reported.  Damages to the boat were estimated at $10,000.00.  Alcohol use is uncertain.  Law enforcement did report that no odor of intoxicants were detected on Operator's breath.  He was not arrested for BUI
Friday Harbor                 