1 killed, 1 injured in fire on board boat at Waterman's Harbor in Texas City

TEXAS CITY, Texas (KTRK) -- One person has died and another was injured when a fire broke out on a boat in Texas City early Tuesday morning. Investigators describe the victim and survivor as an elderly couple.

At about 7:30 a.m., the Texas City Fire Department responded to an emergency call reporting a boat on fire at Waterman's Harbor marina, just southwest of Dickinson Bayou Bridge.

When they arrived, firefighters found a larger pleasure boat, around 55 feet long, with living quarters, engulfed by flames. A resident across the bayou captured flames shooting into the air.

From SkyEye 13 and on the ground, the devastation was obvious. Nearby residents tell ABC13 that the older couple lived on their boat and served as caretakers of Watermans Harbor. Rescuers say it was the wife who perished, while the husband was transported to a local hospital with injuries. Initially, divers were called in to look for the victim.

"They're going to search the surrounding area of the boat, and the remaining structure of the boat for the victim," Texas City Assistant Fire Chief Matthew Wyatt said.

But by mid-afternoon, the woman's remains were located inside the boat. Public records show the marina is owned by the Valentino family, who owns several marinas in the area. Calls to various members of the family, listed as owners and managers, were not returned.

Investigators say for now, it's too early to know what started the fire. "Absolutely no idea, no sir, under investigation," Wyatt said. "The fire marshal will be investigating and create a report with what he found out."

The Texas City Fire Department was assisted by multiple fire departments, including those from Bacliff, Seabrook, San Leon, League City, Santa Fe, and Galveston.

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