World · North America · 1 hr ago
Greg Olsen escapes uninjured after boat explodes off California coast
Greg Olsen escaped uninjured after his boat exploded off the coast of Santa Barbara, California.
The incident happened Tuesday, about three miles offshore from El Capitan State Beach, while Olsen was alone on the boat.
An engine explosion sparked a fire that melted the boat’s navigation equipment and survival raft.
Olsen jumped into the Pacific Ocean and a good Samaritan in a kayak rescued him.
His wife, model and businesswoman Kathy Ireland, said she was away on business when it happened and shared the news in an Instagram post on Friday.
The couple’s boat, the 4th Watch, was destroyed, and Ireland said it had brought joy to their family and others.
Olsen said he was deeply sad about losing the boat, but no further plans were stated.
Kathy Ireland said her husband, Greg Olsen, escaped uninjured after an engine explosion set his boat on fire off California.
Olsen was alone on the vessel, the 4th Watch, while Ireland was away on business.
He abandoned the burning boat and was rescued after entering the water, according to accounts cited by the outlets.
The boat was destroyed, and Ireland described feeling both grief over its loss and gratitude for the rescue.
Reports differ on the incident’s distance from shore and whether it happened Tuesday or Wednesday.
- Who
- Greg Olsen, Kathy Ireland’s husband, was rescued.
- What
- His boat caught fire after its engine exploded. He escaped uninjured.
- When
- The outlets give conflicting days: Page Six says Tuesday; Fox News says TowBoatUS Ventura received a call Wednesday around 3 p.m.
- Where
- Off Santa Barbara, California. Page Six says roughly three miles offshore from El Capitan State Beach; Fox News reports the vessel was 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor.
- Why
- The boat’s engine exploded, starting a fire.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Olsen’s boat caught fire roughly three miles offshore from El Capitan State Beach, and he was rescued.
The company said it received a call about the fire, with the vessel 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor.
Ireland shared an Instagram Reel about the incident and her husband’s escape.
- Boat
- 4th Watch
- Rescued person
- Greg Olsen
- Injuries
- None reported
- Page Six location
- Roughly three miles offshore from El Capitan State Beach
- Fox News location
- 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor
- Incident day
- Tuesday, according to Page Six; Wednesday, according to Fox News’s account of TowBoatUS Ventura’s call
2 sources
What people are saying
Engine exploded and a fire quickly melted all navigation equipment and survival raft!
Most of all, we thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for this miracle of his survival
was prepared and did everything right
I loved her. This is how she deserves to be remembered. I’m so so sad.