One person was taken to the hospital after a boat fire Tuesday morning.

  • Boat was home to Jahrah King, King's wife, daughter
  • Wife, daughter on board when fire broke out
  • Wife suffered 1st, 2nd degree burns to 15% of body, expected to recover

It happened at 105 Pompano Drive Southeast, off Coquina Key.

The 30-foot sailboat had been home for Jahrah King, along with his wife and daughter, for about a year.

"Everything was on board - yeah, it was our home," said King. "Cruising around, sailing, enjoying the water and stuff before we have to obviously have to settle down and come back for her to start school."

St. Petersburg Fire Rescue received several 911 calls about the boat fire just after 11 a.m. King was at work, while his family was aboard the sailboat.

"The mother had recently just switched from a propane-based stove to a alcohol-based system, and at some point caught fire accidentally," said FWC Officer James Boogaerts. "The mother grabbed her child immediately, exited the boat, jumped overboard."

St. Pete Fire Rescue and FWC crews worked to put out the fire.

"She made the call to evacuate the boat instead of attempting to control the fire which, thank God," said King.

King's wife suffered first and second degree burns to 15 percent of her body, according to St. Pete Fire Rescue. She was transported to Tampa General Hospital and is expected to recover.

Officials said they are looking for two good Samaritans who helped King's wife and daughter get to the Grand View Park Boat Ramp. King, meanwhile, is just grateful, and holding his daughter a little tighter Tuesday night.

"Thanks a lot for saving my family’s life and I really appreciate it," said King.