MYAKKA CITY, Fla.
— What was supposed to be a fun boating excursion through the Gulf
turned into a nightmare for Myakka City residents Glenn and Amy
McIntyre.
- Couple believes the fire could have been electrical
- Flames reached up to 20 feet
- They say their faith kept them calm while awaiting help
Their boat 'Ohana' was roughly 30 miles southwest of Marco Island when the fire began on Thursday.
"We kind of looked at each other and said, 'This is just like in the movies!'" Glenn explained.
The flames started to overtake the boat, so the couple grabbed their two puppies and made their way into a dinghy.
"I busted out the kitchen window, reached
in there with gaff hook and pulled out a gallon of water and two boxes
of cereal," Glenn said. 'I was thinking that would keep us alive for a
couple of days."
The couple watched as flames reaching 20 feet
high overtook their boat. They say with nothing but open water around,
they expected to be stranded on the dinghy for days.
"There's two outcomes, we're gonna make it or
we're going to heaven," she said. "Obviously we wished we could say
goodbye to people, or tell them you love them one more time."
Both Glenn and Amy are widowed and got
married on 'Ohana' just over a year ago. Amy says it was heartbreaking
to watch it burn. The two say it was their faith that kept them calm as
they waited to be rescued.
Hours later, they spotted the Atlantic Cat
Ferry, operated by Key West Express, come into view. The ferry made its
way to the stranded boaters and pulled them and the puppies to safety.
They were greeted by passengers with hugs and cheers.
Glenn believes the fire was electrical and started near the boat generator.
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