Progreso, Yucatan — A private boat with seven on board caught fire off the coast of Progreso Sunday, forcing everyone into the sea. Masses of thick black smoke were seen for kilometers as the vessel was left adrift to burn.
According to early information, the boat began to smoke and within minutes, burst into flames. It has been reported that all seven people on board managed to escape without injury.
The family of seven, which included children and elderly, were forced into the sea but rescued by other boaters.
The incident happened Sunday afternoon when the family that owns the boat set out for the day. They were less than a kilometer from shore when smoke became noticeable.
People on shore near gathered at the waterfront to watch as the vessel was left adrift to burn. By the time it reached shore, the only thing visible was a shell and the three outboard motors still attached.
An ambulance was waiting on shore to assess the family from the burning boat. There have not been any reports of injuries.
An official cause for the fire has not yet been established.
