Three people and two dogs jumped off a 72-foot yacht that was engulfed in flames in New Hampshire to save their lives.
Arthur Watson, 67, and Diane Watson, 57, both of New Canaan, Connecticut, and Jarrod Tubbs, 33, of Jupiter, Florida, were among the passengers who leaped overboard and were rescued by boats.
They were transferred to Portsmouth Hospital, where they were treated and released.
Around 4 p.m. Saturday, the Elusive was on the Piscataqua River going toward a port in New Castle when a passenger saw black smoke below deck, according to the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
Despite efforts to preserve the yacht, authorities said it drifted into Maine waters and sank approximately two hours after the 911 call.
The Coast Guard and the New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol shared photographs of the vessel engulfed in flames and emitting heavy black smoke.
The fire’s cause is being investigated.
A boat on fire was reported on the Piscataqua River near Little Harbor in Newcastle shortly after 4 p.m. on Saturday, according to New Hampshire Police.
Within minutes, the boat was completely filled with smoke, and the three passengers jumped out. They were rescued and taken to shore by other boats.
The Coast Guard, Portsmouth Fire Department, Kittery Harbor Master, Newington Fire Department, and other organizations made fruitless attempts to save the boat.
The yacht normally departs from the Camden, Maine, sailing port every summer and cruises the Maine coast, the Eastern Seaboard, and beyond, according to the vessel’s website.
The Elusive was last refurbished in 2013, and photos of the ship’s now-burned interior revealed luxurious suites, decks, and luxury designs.
According to the Too Elusive’s website, Diane Watson joined the team as an active leader in 2007.
While Arthur Watson commanded the ship, she was in charge of crew accommodation and nutrition.
Watson is a Cruising Club of America member who has traversed the globe twice.