Greg Olsen, the husband of '90s supermodel Kathy Ireland, was forced to abandon his burning fishing boat and jump into the Pacific Ocean before being rescued off the coast of Santa Barbara. Olsen, captain of the vessel named 'The 4th Watch,' was about three miles offshore from El Capitan State Beach when the boat's engine caught fire on Tuesday afternoon.
He was the sole occupant of the boat when the incident occurred. After the engine burst into flames, Olsen scrambled into a kayak and was subsequently rescued by a good Samaritan. He was then transferred to a Santa Barbara City Harbor Patrol boat and did not sustain any injuries. The US Coast Guard confirmed that the boat became disabled around 3:30 p.m. and called for a commercial tow before the fire erupted.
Ireland confirmed the incident on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the rescue and Olsen's safe return. "My heart is both heavy and full," she wrote. "Heavy because I know the love, sweat and life you poured into this vessel. This vessel brought so much joy and so many blessings to our family and countless others. I’m so thankful to all who rushed to pray and come to your rescue. I’m so thankful God gifted you with a brilliant mind to navigate this disaster so seamlessly. I’m eternally thankful to Him for loving and rescuing you. Though the vessel is no more, the 4th Watch is forever."
Olsen also shared his sadness over the loss of the boat, stating, "I loved her. This is how she deserves to be remembered. I’m so so sad."
Olsen is a retired physician who transitioned to commercial fishing and is associated with 4th Watch Seafood. Ireland, a former supermodel, built a business empire with her company, Kathy Ireland Worldwide.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by emergency personnel from multiple agencies, including the Santa Barbara County Fire Department and the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office. This incident marks the second boat fire reported in the area this week, with two individuals rescued from another burning vessel off Montecito on Monday.