On January 3rd, 2023, at approximately 1348 hours Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) was dispatched to a reported vessel fire in the Faka Union Channel, Collier County, Fl. 
V1 was traveling from West Palm Beach to the Port of the Isles, Collier County. As they reached the channel, they observed white smoke that would dissipate and come back. OP1 vented all the compartments and sprayed down the engine area with ocean water from his hose. However, the smoke became overwhelming, and they began to hear crackling noises. 
Through communications with USCG and Tow Boat U.S, they prepared their dinghy, put their PFD’s on and exited the vessel. CCSO (Collier County Sheriffs Office) and Fires EMS arrived on scene and put the vessel fire out. Tow Boat U.S is standing by to remove the vessel from the water way once they receive permission from OP1’s insurance and USCG. USCG marked the vessel with buoys as a Hazard. OP1 lost a lot of personal property and estimated his totaled vessel damage as $80,000.00

FAKA UNION CHANNEL
NAPLES                        