Two dogs were killed when a fatal fire broke out aboard a sail boat docked at Shelter Island Saturday night, officials confirmed.
The boat blaze began around 10:15 p.m. at the Heisey Field Dock.
San Diego Harbor Police Lt. John Reilly said the owner of the boat was not on board at the time of the fire, but his four dogs were inside the boat.
Officials worked to extinguish the fire and pull the pets out. Sadly, Lt. Reilly said two of the dogs did not survive the flames.
The other two dogs were rescued and treated for smoke inhalation.
As San Diego Fire Department crews and Harbor Police officials were working, the owner of the boat approached the scene and allegedly tried to get onto the boat to save his dogs.
“Firefighters were working on the vessel and due to his emotional level, [the boat owner] tried to gain entrance to the vessel,” said Lt. Reilly.
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Authorities had to tackle and restrain the distraught boat owner.
He was temporarily arrested for allegedly attempting to fight the firefighters, but later calmed down, Lt. Reilly said. Officials said the boat owner was not facing charges.
As of Sunday morning, officials said the cause of the boat fire was still under investigation. The blaze caused an estimated $25,000 worth of damages to the boat and its contents.
Check back for updates.
