ST. THOMAS — A vessel fire off the coast of St. Thomas on Sunday afternoon ended with the boat’s sole occupant safely rescued from an overturned dinghy, according to the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

VIFEMS said the incident occurred on Sunday, May 31, at approximately 3:39 p.m., when emergency responders were dispatched to a vessel fire off the coast of St. Thomas.

Marine One, VIFEMS’ marine firefighting and rescue vessel, responded to the scene along with the United States Coast Guard, St. Thomas Rescue, and St. John Rescue. When responders arrived in the area, they found the vessel partially submerged and sinking.

The sole occupant of the vessel was located on an overturned dinghy and was safely rescued by the United States Coast Guard. The individual was later transferred to Marine One for assessment and was determined to be in stable condition.

No injuries were reported, and medical treatment was not required, according to VIFEMS.

The vessel was subsequently lost as a result of the incident. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the VIFEMS Arson Investigation and Prevention Unit.

VIFEMS said it remains committed to rapid response, effective emergency operations, and the protection of life and property across the territory.