Local Family Loses Livelihood in Shrimp Boat Fire

On December 3rd, my dad’s shrimp boat, the Triton, burned down in an accident at the dock. The Triton was tied up two boats deep on the inside of the dock. The vessel on the outside, the Iris Marie, caught fire in the early morning hours. The blazing Iris Marie burned too hot to cast off the lines and separate the two boats. Despite the efforts of numerous firefighters both boats were engulfed and sank at the dock. 


This is a devastating loss–a massive financial investment in our family business which is now a total loss and our livelihood gone. On top of this we are now burdened with the cost of removing the vessel plus we are facing EPA/government fines of $47k daily. Due to new complex insurance underwriting, fiberglass commercial fishing vessels are uninsurable.


We are a 5th generation fishing family, local to Mayport, FL. This boat is our family’s sole source of income and to be strapped with heaping fines and removal costs just before the holidays is overwhelming. But we know that God will provide light in the darkness; He always does. Any help that you can give is extremely appreciated. Above all, we are deeply grateful for your prayers. 


Thank you!