Kathy Ireland’s husband escapes burning boat after engine explodes 20 miles offshore

Kathy Ireland’s husband, Dr Greg Olsen, escaped after an engine explosion set his boat on fire while he was alone at sea. The incident destroyed the vessel and its navigation equipment and survival raft, but a rescue response brought Olsen to safety.

The fire was reported around 3pm on Wednesday, about 20 nautical miles west of Santa Barbara Harbor. TowBoatUS Ventura said Olsen tried to fight the fire, activated his emergency beacon and abandoned ship in a kayak; nearby good Samaritans and responding commercial vessels helped. Ireland thanked those involved and said the couple’s boat, the 4th Watch, had brought joy to their family and others.