NEWBURYPORT, MASS. (WHDH) - A 42-foot fishing boat that was waiting to offload an Atlantic bluefin tuna burst into flames on the Merrimack River Friday evening, sending the captain and his mate scrambling to safety, officials said.

Newburyport fire crews responding to a reported boat fire about 6 p.m. found the “Hit List” fishing vessel in flames, Fire Chief Christopher LeClaire said in a statement.

The vessel was deemed a total loss and was floundering as the tide went out Friday evening.

There were no reported injuries.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Newburyport Fire Department and the Newburyport Harbormaster.

(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox