NYAC Boat Fire Ruled Accidental; Cause Unknown

in Pelham Manor has been ruled, accident New Rochelle fire officials said Wednesday.

New Rochelle Fire Chief Louis DiMeglio said firefighters were able to determine that the May 18 fire started on the saloon, or the social area, of the  61-foot Hatteras motor yacht. DiMeglio said firefighters had a tough time finding a cause due to all the debris and fire damage that occurred on the boat.

The fire started at about 12:30 p.m. as the boat’s owner was preparing to get  it ready for the summer. The fire began after the boat’s owner took the cover off and was preparing to get it ready for the summer.

The boat owner suffered minor burns to his ears and neck trying to extinguish the fire before emergency officials arrived. He was transported to Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx for treatment.

It took about an hour for emergency officials from New Rochelle and Pelham Manor to get the fire under control, but the fire was not completely extinguished until several hours later. Although the New York Athletic Club is in Pelham Manor, the boat itself was physically in New Rochelle when the fire started.

The fire investigation was delayed initially because fire officials had to wait until an environmental the polluted water that had collected inside the boat.

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