(KTLA-TV) |
VENICE -- Authorities are searching for one, possibly two people who may have been aboard a 26-foot powerboat that exploded and burst into flames about two miles offshore near Venice.
The fire was reported around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, west of the Venice Beach pier, according to County lifeguard Chief Terry Yamamoto
A witness, who called for help, said he heard an explosion and saw flames shooting into the air.
Firefighting boats extinguished the flames, but authorities were unable to board the burned vessel to inspect it.
"A good Samaritan reported seeing the boat depart from Marina Del Rey," said Lt. j.g. Tyler Stutin of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles. "The boat is registered out of Channel Islands Harbor, but we don't know if the registered owner was on board."
The registered owner is Michael Martinez of Woodland Hills, he said.
Martinez is missing and had been going through some marital problems, according to investigators. Mail was also found piled up at his home, officials said.
The vessel, called "The Casey Lynn," was towed to shore for further examination, according to Inspector Frederic Stowers of the county fire department.
Officials say the initial report indicated two people may have been on board.
It's not yet known what caused the apparent explosion.
Coast Guard crews, along with a helicopter, were searching for possible survivors, but so far, no one has been spotted.
The fire was reported around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday, west of the Venice Beach pier, according to County lifeguard Chief Terry Yamamoto
A witness, who called for help, said he heard an explosion and saw flames shooting into the air.
Firefighting boats extinguished the flames, but authorities were unable to board the burned vessel to inspect it.
"A good Samaritan reported seeing the boat depart from Marina Del Rey," said Lt. j.g. Tyler Stutin of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles. "The boat is registered out of Channel Islands Harbor, but we don't know if the registered owner was on board."
The registered owner is Michael Martinez of Woodland Hills, he said.
Martinez is missing and had been going through some marital problems, according to investigators. Mail was also found piled up at his home, officials said.
The vessel, called "The Casey Lynn," was towed to shore for further examination, according to Inspector Frederic Stowers of the county fire department.
Officials say the initial report indicated two people may have been on board.
It's not yet known what caused the apparent explosion.
Coast Guard crews, along with a helicopter, were searching for possible survivors, but so far, no one has been spotted.
