On 12/27/13 at approximately 6:52 p.m. the vessel Blessing was traveling southwest at approximately 10 knots. There were three occupants on board. The vessel lost power and a fire erupted in the engine room. The vessel was consumed by flames and the occupants abandoned ship. Pinellas County Fire Rescue responded and recovered all three occupants from the water at approximately 7:20 p.m., they were brought to Oneills Marina in St. Petersburg to be evaluated by medical personnel. There were no injuries. 

      On 12/27/13 at approximately 6:52 p.m. the vessel Blessings documentation #DO992286 was traveling southwest heading to Port Charlotte. Operator was in control of the vessel and was on the flying bridge with the owner when he lost power to the boats engines. Operator went below to check the engines. Upon lifting the engines hatch he discovered there was a fire. Operator attempted to extinguish the fire but was unable. Occupant2 called 911 as Operator made the decision to abandon ship. Operator made sure that all hands were accounted for and they jumped into the water and clung to life jackets as they waited for help. At approximately 7:20 p.m. Pinellas County Fire Rescue responded and was able to retrieve all the victims from the water. The victims were evaluated medically and then transferred to a Coast Guard boat where they were taken to Oneills Marina in St. Petersburg. There were no injuries to the victims.
      The victims were interviewed and released.
      The vessel sunk at approximately 9 p.m. at N 27.35.599  W 82.41.700. The vessel was not a navigation hazard. owner was informed it was his responsibility to have the vessel removed from the water. owner contacted Neptune Towing to have the vessel removed. This concludes my report.
APOLLO BEACH