Eight Family Members Escape Burning Boat Off Long Beach

Eight family members, including two toddlers, escaped a burning 41-foot powerboat Sunday off Long Beach Harbor, authorities said.

The six adults and two children, ages 3 and 4, were evacuated and did not require medical attention, said Capt. Jim Arvizu of the Long Beach Fire Department.

The fire was reported to the Coast Guard about 2:30 p.m. and extinguished about two hours later, officials said.

Firefighters towed the powerboat to a dock in the harbor but later moved it about 30 to 50 feet away from the pier after they were overcome by smoke and were unsuccessful in putting out the flames.

The hull of the boat was submerged, but part of the boat remained 2 feet above the water line. Authorities put a boom around the boat to prevent fuel from leaking, Arvizu said.

The fire, which began in the engine compartment, is under investigation.