Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia Fireboat Sinks

Smith Mountain Lake Diver/Boat Captain John Honaker said conditions were tough for the boat's recovery.

On December 5, Smith Mountain Lake Marine, Fire and Rescue were toned out for a fire boat call. When crews arrived at the dock they discovered the thirty-foot alumium boat under water. Another fire boat from Smith Mountain Lake Marine, Fire and Rescue's fleet was dispatched to handle the call.

Captain Honaker said the fire boat is about seven years old.

Two divers, Captain John Honaker and Jack Gautier handled the grist of the boat recovery diving operation. In the frigid waters that was no easy task.

"We had a private contracter with a crane come in," explained Captain Honaker. "Gautier and I donned dry suits and heavily insulated gloves. The dry suits keep you somewhat warm, but it is extremely difficult to manuever with the gloves. We had heavy cables and lift bags to place on and under the boat so it could be raised. It took us about an hour to perform the operation."

The recovered boat was placed on a trailer.

Captain Honaker said items are being salvaged from the boat.

Damage estimates are still being accessed and the boat is being examined to determine cause.

Smith Mountain Lake Marine, Fire and Rescue has a fleet of seven fire boats. Captain John Honaker is Captain of Fire boats 1, 3 and 7.