Shrimp boat burns 3 miles at sea

3 crew members abandon ship, wait for JFRD boat to arrive and put out fire

The shrimp boat on the left was taking on water.

NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – An 80-foot shrimp boat heavily damaged by fire Wednesday night remains anchored 3 miles east of the mouth of the St. Marys River.

Three crew members onboard were able to get into a lifeboat when they first noticed the fire and were not hurt. The fire was eventually doused by a Jacksonville Fire-Rescue fire boat.

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the fire and will be working with the owners of the “MC Johnson” to salvage the vessel.