A buddy and I got Rhapsody in shape and set sail from Houston for Isla Mujeres, Mexico, Sunday after Christmas. Halfway there, at 2AM on Thu 2 Jan a heavy duty Li-ion battery pack exploded 4 times during about 10 minutes setting the boat interior afire repeatedly. The cordless drill was nestled amidship in a dry locker but apparently suffered mechanical damage due to wave-on-hull impacts in 2m seas and 20kt winds - a normal sea-state in bluewater. Ignition was 30 min AFTER heaving-to for sleep. We broadcast "Mayday" after the 2nd explosion, set off the EPIRB after the 3rd explosion, and expended both fire extinguishers. The US Coast Guard diverted an LPG tanker and launched 2 fixed wing planes to ascertain the situation. Seas were too rough to safely transfer onto the LPG tanker's tender and dawn shown no better so USCG launched a helicopter to rescue us. They were required to re-fueled en route. We jumped into the sea and swam to a cage with the assistance of a diver before being winched aboard. Rhapsody was abandoned 288 nm SE of Corpus Christi, was last seen afloat pointed toward Mexico, but now sleeps with the fishes. The kind folks on Anadarko's production platform loaned us dry clothes and fed us a hot meal while the chopper re-fueled again. Our wives retrieved us at Ellington Field and have us on substantially shorter leashes. Kudos to the USCG. It was a very technical rescue. Thanks to the generous folks at Anadarko. Thank you American taxpayer. Treat Li-ion batteries with kid gloves. Crew sustained only minor injuries. I could no longer reasonably guarantee the safety of the crew far offshore with depleted fire extinguishers, expended EPIRB, charred interior, and no PPE to decontaminate to secure food and water supplies. No tow in range. All gear was lost. Markel Jack-Line policy paid after thorough investigation without fuss: professionals laser-focused on the details of the incident. I was under-insured or self-insured. Review and update your policy for Scheduled Personal Property in excess of the minimum. My policy covered only $1k electronics. Aboard were several computers and software, underwater camera, underwater metal detector, etc. Note drones were excluded without scheduling. The ship was family and priceless.
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