Maine lobsterman rescued by kayaker after leaping from burning fishing boat

A lobsterman in Stonington was rescued after his fishing boat caught fire and he jumped into the water to avoid injury. Tyler Robbins, captain and co-owner of the 24-foot, gas-powered boat Yes Deah, was fishing off a local cove when flames erupted from the engine. He said the fire spread almost immediately after the engine blew, leaving only minutes to send an emergency radio call and contact his fiancée. Robbins was rescued by kayak guide Will Steinharter, who was leading a nearby tour, and he was later picked up by a friend in a lobster boat. Fire responders were alerted at about 1 p.m., and Stonington Fire Chief Steve Rittmeyer said local firefighters, Maine Marine Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard worked for over five hours. The boat was eventually left aground on Buckminster Ledge. Robbins was uninjured, but the homemade wooden boat was a total loss.