Man And Dog Rescued After Maine Boat Explosion

First responders arrive at the vessel near Eagle Island. Photo/Harpswell Marine Resources.

The boat, Juggerknot, was already a total loss before first responders arrived. Photo/Harpswell Marine Resources.

A boater and his dog were rescued from the water on Saturday after a lobster boat exploded near Eagle Island in Harpswell, Maine.

According to Harpswell Marine Resources officials, they received a report of a boat that had exploded and was on fire shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19. The report stated a person and a dog were in the water.

Units from the Harpswell Fire Department, Maine Marine Patrol, and the Harpswell Harbormaster responded to the scene of the boat fire near Eagle Island and south of Upper Flag Island.

While units were on their way to the scene, nearby boaters picked up the boater and the dog and brought them to a local Harpswell commercial wharf.

By the time responders got on scene, officials said much of the boat had burned. The first fire boat on the scene with a water pump was able to extinguish the remaining flames. However, the vessel began to sink soon after.

The boater reportedly refused medical treatment on shore, but he requested that the dog be evaluated for injuries.