FISHING BOAT FIRE RESULTS IN FATALITY

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The fishing boat “Mi Afriquita” found the body of a mechanic, missing after his boat, “El Nene” caught fire 14 miles off the coast of Almería on Wednesday morning.

The body was transported to the port of Almería, along with three other crew members from the boat who were rescued alive, suffering the effects of hyperthermia.

A fire was reported in the engine room at 07:00, when the crew declared a Mayday. A marine rescue operation was immediately put into play with a Helimer 205 helicopter, a Guardia Civil patrol and a marine rescue ship all being sent to the scene.

The Guardia Civil rescued the three survivors in an inflatable raft, whereas the fishing boat located their colleague, as the rescue helicopter coordinated the scene from the air. Meanwhile, the maritime rescue services fought to bring the fire under control.

A post mortem will be carried out to determine the cause of death of the mechanic, whereas the Harbour Master will be investigating the cause of the fire, although the boat sank as a result of the damage caused in the fire.